I’m excited to have Lindsey Nobles leading off our blog week with the topic of ‘plans’. I’ve cyber-met Lindsey through her blog and I after reading a few posts that hinted at her own struggles with the concept of “my plan” vs. “God’s plan,” I asked if she would hit it straight on. And I’m glad she did! Like her, I wonder how Jeremiah 29:11 really plays out for each one of us. I’d encourage you to ask yourself just how you interpret this verse….here’s Lindsey’s thoughts:

Plans

Some of my close friends make fun of me because I always have to have a plan.

We’ll bump into each other at a party and they’ll casually mention, “We don’t have much going on. Maybe we could do dinner one night next week? Whatever works for you.” But much to their chagrin I pin them down, “So we’ll do an early dinner next Thursday night?”

I just prefer to have a clear sense of what’s ahead.

Even as a little girl, I had plans. They might have been tentative. But they were plans.

I’d go away to school, meet eclectic friends, date some bad boys, travel to far away countries, and find success in a job I loved. By 28, I’d marry the perfect boy. By 30, I’d have a little girl named Reade. (Geez. I didn’t realize how much detail I’d crafted in my head until I wrote that down. So maybe I’m a little compulsive

But here I sit, 33, single, childless, and learning the hard lesson that we never truly have a clear sense of what’s ahead.

I’m learning that tomorrow is out of my control.

I’ve always found comfort in this Bible verse:

“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 (New International Version)

But until recently when I read it, what I really took away was this:

“For I know the plans you have,” declares the LORD, “plans for success and a comfortable life, plans to give you an abundant future. I will make all your dreams come true.” Lindsey 1:1 (Distorted Version)

As difficult as it is to comprehend at times, I am learning to prefer His version. Even when His plans don’t line up with mine.

I am learning that tomorrow is in His control. So I need not worry.

“Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then these things will be given to you too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.” Matthew 6:33-34 (The Voice)

Because living faithfully is a large enough task for today.

Lindsey Nobles is Thomas Nelson’s Director of Corporate Communications. In her role, she oversees all public communication about the company. A native Texan, Lindsey lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her dog, Molly. She is passionate about her faith, books, movies, music, food, travel, and blogging.