Your Plan and the Lord's Plan: And the Plan for Us Here at SarahTwiss.com
Isn't it Nice When They Come Together?
That's a lot of use of the word PLAN. Some people bristle at the very proposition. (Sometimes I’m that person. I can feel myself wriggle a bit when things start to get too heavy on commitment. So a plan is the last thing I want. It’s a commitment that just follows me around All. Day. Long.)
But when the entire future is the great unknown, a plan can be nice. Just let me know a little about what’s going on. Can I have a general overview? Then we can roam free with the details. One important thing I've learned is that the Lord's plan for me is better than my plan for myself. Which is saying a lot, since I usually like my plans.
So what have I learned as I practice surrendering to His will? ? Three big picture concepts. It’s with that idea in mind that I present to you… The General Plan. Just remember: the details are fluid, and there are gobs of place for flexibility. After all, our individual journeys are just that: unique. Let’s just see if we can hit some pit stops together along the way.
1. Vision: Cultivating Eyes to See
I’ve realized that I have underestimated my personal vision for myself. Perhaps you have done the same thing. Have you arrived at your initial life goals, only to wonder - what’s next? Are you in a transition that begs the question - now what? Perhaps you are doing all of the “shoulds” but feel lonely in your efforts. I have found that seeking the Lord’s vision for my life has helped bring peace in all of these categories. In this first step we find the insights and clues the Lord has already provided as He works to reveal a specific, individual end goal for each of us.
2. Action: Faith to Act
This is the part where we start taking action - together- towards the inspired version of your life. While it’s true that we already study and learn together at church, what do the next steps look like? Have you “heard it before” and wonder “what else?” What does it look like to implement the ideas and act on these thoughts? What is holding us back from acting? Who is aiming for that raised bar - and how is it going? We ditch what is comfortable, do some personal inventory, and intentionally try something different. It’s not necessarily going to look like anyone else’s action plan, but it’s exciting because it’s YOUR action plan.
3. Outreach: Power to Become
These steps aren’t about adding tasks to a to-do list. They are the synergetic combination that takes what we learn - and translates it into who we are becoming. The beauty of combining faithful vision and inspired action is seeing the results in our lives. It’s energizing and exciting for me individually, and also encouraging to those around. Bringing out our best selves is a benefit for everyone. Are you in?