Last Saturday morning, I was drinking orange juice by the kitchen sink. At the table, two of my siblings were discussing an upcoming adventure. The general gist of the conversation was that my little brother was trying to stir up some drama by scaring my little sister into worrying about the trip.
“Where are you going to hike?” he challenged her.
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
“How long are the hikes? What are you going to see?”
“I’m not sure.”
“What if the hikes are too long?” he asked. “What if there’s nothing to see on the trail, or it’s too difficult, or there’s no trail at all and you have to scramble?”
“Dude,” she said with all due respect, and possibly a hint of practicality. “I don’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing, but I know who I’m going with, and I trust them.”
It was a mic drop kind of moment, and it did stop his drama, much to our relief.
But the conversation made me think about my relationship with God. We have so much pressure to plan for the future, and in many ways, it’s good to save for retirement, have a backup plan if certain things go wrong, and know what you’re eating for lunch tomorrow (or at least have it packed and ready in the fridge so you don’t have to get McDonalds… again). It’s wise to see potential issues coming so you can make good decisions now (or the best possible, given the situation).
While we were made to plan (even God plans – see Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 33:11, etc.), we were not designed to worry (Philippians 4:6). A plan says, “If such-and-such happens, I will do this.” It’s solution-based and comes with confidence. Worry says, “What if such-and-such happens? What will I do?” Worry is fear-based and question-based, and it will draw you away from God and His plan for your life.
Now, there’s no way we can have a solution for everything that happens in life. It’s easy enough to wonder how we’d handle the situation if something catastrophic were to happen. However, this is usually wasted time, energy, and worry because in the highly unlikely event that such a situation comes to pass, few if any of our contingency plans would work, anyway.
While we can (and should) plan for the future, we don’t have to worry about it if we’re walking with Jesus. I trust Him a lot more than I trust my plans for many reasons, not the least of which is that He knows the conditions of my future a lot better than me. When I trust Him, I don’t have to worry because I trust the One I’m with more than I trust my known knowledge of the situation. He will provide the contingency plan when I need it, and if I need it.
This doesn’t mean I lie back and decide to let God do everything. For example, this sister will pack her own snacks, plates, spoons, clothing, and more due to dietary restrictions. She could trust me with it, but she’s being proactive in helping make sure the trip is a success (and I’m glad for her help!) In the same way, while I trust God, I’m also planning and following the directives of the Holy Spirit along the way.
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
