August 1: Insight Post by Michael Thayer

As I read today’s Friday Reflection, two words stand out to me, “His plans.” His plans will come to fruition.  Not mine, not my family’s or my friends’ plans, not the plans of those who shout loudest.  But His plans, in His time.  The plans of our Lord, who is omniscient, omnipotent, and who loves all of us dearly.  Thank God.

How often do I hope for, pray for, work for my plans?  More frequently than I care to admit.  When I am going through a tough time, a time of want or need, how often does God provide in ways and at times that I could not have dreamed up? He knows our needs. He is there for all of us.

One of our questions for today asks where I am struggling in my life to be patient.  Certainly, recently, in my job search. During this time of uncertainty (can we ever truly be certain other than in our God?) I have been blessed by the outreach and care so many of you, my family, and friends have shown me – your prayers, and your willingness to risk asking the potentially sensitive question “How is the hunt going?”, even as you may have been hesitant, knowing my answer for many months has been some version of “It’s a tough job market out there.” I always appreciated you asking.  Thank you.

During this time of need, the Lord has provided so well and so graciously, in ways that, as Rusty says, have His fingerprints all over them.  When my patience was waning and my thoughts were at times pessimistic, through my prayer and quiet time with Him, and the outreach from so many, my increasing awareness of His faithfulness has helped me persevere and grow my faith. Is that mustard seed faith? I need to remember this time, and others too many to count, as a reminder to continue to grow my faith and to persevere, regardless of the circumstances.

His plans, in His time. I am grateful.