"The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established" (Proverbs 19:21). God's purpose doesn't always align with our plans. Have you ever noticed that? And have you come to the conclusion that's a good thing? The lesson is that we need to learn to realign our plans to God's purpose.
To be sure, it's not always clear what God's purpose is. It's much easier to hatch some idea for what we want to do. After all, we know what we want out of life, supposedly. We are sure what makes us happy, for now. Thankfully, when we recognize how fleeting our desires can be, it's good to know God's purpose stands.
One of the barriers we often have to understanding God's purpose is our struggle. Today, then let's take courage from the prophet Ezekiel.
God strengthens. That's what Ezekiel's name means. The prophet and his people surely needed God's strength in exile. That's where the prophet found himself for at least a handful of years. Commentators suggest he was twenty five years old when the Babylonians took him into exile. According to other passages, most Jewish priests began their ministry when they turned thirty. However long he was there, it was in was in exile Ezekiel began his ministry. Even though there may have been a plan for what that would look like, God had something else in mind.
The Lord would call Ezekiel out of the priesthood to be a prophet. The priesthood would have been an easier way to live for him. But he heard God's voice. And, instead of letting the ruined state of things keep him from obedience, Ezekiel responded with faith and conviction. With the messages God would give him, he would need both.
It can be difficult to see past our difficulties. To make sense of what doesn't make sense. Those are the moments, though, we need the most obedience. So, when your plans and God's purpose agree, give thanks. When they don't, recall that God's calling will always lead you where you need to be.
Stay blessed...john | 
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