A Problem with the Picture

In my teenage years I created the perfect picture of what my life would be like when I was "older." I made it a goal. It was going to be just as I planned. I would work hard to paint this picture. Along the way, there were things that would spill on my painting. But, sometimes it was okay. I would paint over it. Yep, I would fix it. Then I would get right back to painting my piece of art. Well, I've done that a whole darn lot! And frankly, I'm tired of fixing spill after spill after spill only to get me nowhere. How can I fix this and stop the spills?

Well, here is something that was absolutely ground breaking for me...I can't stop the spills, but I can ask the Lord to change my picture! I've been painting my own picture instead of asking the Lord what HIS picture is! "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

This truth seems so simple to follow. I've heard it over and over again. But, I'll be quick to admit that I have rarely found myself joyful in the midst of failure. What I have to remember is that the Lord is in control. To fail could be a blessing in disguise. I can't imagine what a mess my life would be if I made the plans! "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I want to live for the purpose that will prevail! What a difference it would make in my life if I would change my focus onto the Masterpiece that my Heavenly Father has painted for me.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

Blessings,

Jaime