Reflections on Max On Life by Max Lucado

Yesterday was the wrap up of Max On Life by Max Lucado in our bible study group. It is a wholistic study of life so we touched on parenting, finances, relationships and personal witness/ministry.

In the study we examined the lives of people who didn't think they could accomplish God's Will in their own strength and those who seemingly detoured from the purpose they thought their lives would/should have.

I was intrigued by the story of the lady who thought God's plan (or maybe her plan) for her life was to marry and have children. Then at age 66- a successful single CPA- when that dream did not materialize, decided to adopt. She now has two children 8 and under and is convinced that this is God's Will for her life to make a difference in the lives of these children.

It sparked an interest because I am now approaching the end of my 20s and I initially thought that by now I would have been married with at least two children. I do have a desire to marry and even feel called to do so but the older I get I have doubts. I question God, I question my faith and I often wonder how much of where I am now is as a result of poor decisions and failure to grow in key areas. I do pray concerning most things but would I have been on a different path if I consistently made a habit of seeking God in every aspect of my life? I guess I'll have to wait for God to be the final judge of that.

I didn't share this inner convo with my bible study group but it was interesting to hear stories of what people thought they would be doing with their lives and what they are actually doing now.

The group had so many questions, a major one being:

Can a believer die without achieving the actual plans God has for them?

The consensus was, Yes! It was scary, but a moment of truth. God gives us choices in life but it is ultimately up to us to seek him daily concerning His Will in every situation.

In Jeremiah 29:11, it affirms, "For I know the plans I have for you, says The Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

When I reflect on this I am frightened but thankful that in our faulty choices as humans, God always has a plan of redemption.

The Bible tells us that if we confess our misdirection, he is faithful and just and will forgive us. And that He causes ALL things to work for good for them that love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Selah

Comments

A Matter of Time

I don't think it's any coincidence that God's time seems to be the theme for this month. There just always seems to be a time line involved in everything we want to get done. Anyway, as my birthday is fast approaching I've been spending time reflecting, going through pictures, reading my journals just really reflecting to get some perspective. What was interesting was that while going through the journal I just happened to buck up this to-do list...yea...one of those goal to-do lists where I need to do x by y time . Funnily, the list was written back in 2006 and it had check boxes placed next to the goals. I noticed that at least 3 boxes were still not ticked at the time, while others were ticked and dated...and now for the surprise the unchecked were: 1. Become a lacto-ovo vegetarian 2. Go Natural and 3. Something else that I can't quite remember now.. . It was very funny to me, as reading it marked the 8th day since I had gone vegan with no desire for mea...

Facebook Free For Three

The challenge was never offered to me to quit facebook but I did it and for three weeks at that...that's right...three whole weeks! I feel now is a good time to share some of the thought processes that went into that decision, some of the reactions and how I spent my time being facebook free. The Decision When I decided to take a 'longer than 24hrs' break from facebook it wasn't a decision I considered and deliberated on. As a matter of fact like nike...I just pretty much did it. I know many people in my network were left feeling puzzled, curious or just down right worried about the decision especially with how I made that step. Like I said before...I just did it. These days when people say they are not on facebook they are normally met with the 'which planet are you from look', so you can imagine the reactions I got. This statement I recently heard aptly summarizes the overall reactions. 'Whoever is not on facebook is sick and needs help.' The R...

Perspective

There was a time I used to think single and alone is the worst thing a person could be. There were days I would sit on my teenage bed staring at the ceiling wondering why I wasn't desirable and I could hear my mom outside my window getting on with life - busying herself with laundry and other household chores. Since my mother's death I have realized that the worst thing a person could be is ungrateful. Everyday there is something or someone in our lives to be grateful for. The next worst thing a person could be is regretful. When you lose a loved one it's all you have - regret. I was so close to my mom yet I still regret the moments I wasted on the imaginary whos that were never in my life when I could have spent that time goofing around and learning more from my mother. Takeaway : Life is a gift and so are the people who were placed in our lives. Treasure who is in your life as tomorrow is promised to no one.

Enkounters

Search This Blog