2 Corinthians 12.11-21

Reference: v. 20a  For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. (NIV Bible)

Explore: We are currently fighting a ‘should’ battle.  It seems that, according to our daughter, there are at least 749 things that we ‘should’ do everyday: “We should get a pool”; “You should buy this for your sister”; “We should go overseas for holidays.”  It seems that in my daughter’s ideal world she has a great deal of possessions and has gained everything using someone else’s money – usually mine!
We all have an ideal world, or things that we would love to have happen.  They may be totally selfish or they may be desired with the best of intentions.  However, you don’t have to live for too long to discover that life does not always serve up exactly what you had ordered - even if you think that it SHOULD have.

Application:  Paul had the best interests of the Corinthians in mind but he could even foresee that his actions had not been received as they should.  Do we beat ourselves up then when things go outside of what we intended?  Do we throw our bat and ball on the ground and head home, just because something has not gone to our plan?  You know, sometimes we do.  And there possible are times when it is appropriate just to walk away.  However, when it comes to God’s plans and to building His kingdom, that is the time to understand the current situation and push on with determination.  Life will not always go to our plan.  But that does not mean that God can’t make something meaningful and beautiful out of the messiness of life.  
Push on.  Be determined.  Live for God.

Prayer:  Lord, our life never seems to go exactly to plan.  Help us to discern our way through the messiness of life so that we can praise and honour you in all we do.  Amen.

What hasn’t gone according to plan in your life?  Where have you seen God in the change of plans?