Jen went to the landscape calendar hanging on the wall next to the fridge. Her index finger counted the days since the interview. Only three? Feels more like ten. The slap of her flip-flops followed her back to her task, sorting the clothes spread across the blue leather couch. I expected to hear by now. I wonder what’s wrong.
Her mind raced across several scenarios as she decided what items to keep and what to donate. Surely Tina would call as soon as the boss decided. It only took a few minutes to prepare a light lunch and turn on the flame under the kettle. If this job’s not the one God has for me, it’s okay. I just want to know. More strategies to get at the answer jumped into her head. “No. I need to wait on the LORD,” she told herself.
The whistle alerted her the water was boiling, and she headed for the stove. Rather than fill her mug, she switched off the burner and grabbed her iPhone off the worn butcher block island. A quick text won’t hurt. Hi,have your heard? The cell clunked back onto the scarred wood.
As she dunked the peach teabag up and down, a barrage of guilt struck her. Now look what you’ve done. You said you were going to wait on the LORD. Wonder what He thinks about that text. She let go of the paper tab and string. I can’t do anything right. Now, even if the job was mine, I probably won’t get it. When will I learn not to interfere with God’s plans?
She dropped her head in shame and turned her heart to Him in remorse.
Her insides responded as if someone had told a joke. “Really, Jen? Do you think you’re capable of interfering with Our plans? Can you compete with the Father’s power, the Savior’s wisdom, or Holy Spirit’s insight to frustrate Our purpose for your life?” The voice wasn’t audible, but the mood was jolly.
She felt weird, but she spoke out loud. “Maybe I got that a little wrong, LORD.” A giggle escaped. “Actually, I was totally off base. Whatever You’ve got planned about the job, I’ll wait to hear.”
And she did.**
The End
Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and you exalt yourself as head over all (1 Chronicles 29:11).
I know that you [the LORD] can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2).*
No one can deliver out of my hand. When I [God] act, who can reverse it (Isaiah 43:13)?
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men (Acts 5:39).
God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15).
Have you ever felt like you were meddling with God’s plans?
Share a few details. I’d like to know.
Peaceful in His hands,
Sandra
*NIV1984, unless otherwise noted
**Details have been changed to protect the privacy of the author. 🙂