Life would be a lot easier if I would do things God’s way the first time.

Instead, I try my way first.  I usually jump into something headlong without giving much thought to what God would have me do.  If, by chance, I do give thought to God’s preference, I typically don’t give it a second thought.  I file God’s idea away for future reference and proceed to approach life my way.

When that doesn’t work, I try my Plan B.  I sit down and explain to God why He should have honored my efforts during Plan A.  I lay it all out for Him, showing Him my flawless logic, drawing diagrams when necessary, and rehearsing the pros and cons.  I show Him the error of His ways in withholding His blessing from me when I do things my way.  And God listens.  He listens to every word.  And when I am done trying to persuade Him, I try Plan A again.  I may tweak it here or there, but it retains its original purpose: to accomplish my goals.  And those goals are usually to be happy, to feel satisfied, and to experience no pain.

That’s reasonable, right?

You’re not gonna believe this, but Plan B never works for me either.

In fact, Plan B usually leaves me drained, discouraged, and desperate – desperate enough to go back to God, hand Him the pieces of my broken goals, and ask Him to put them all back together.  He always receives me with open arms and compassionate eyes.  While He is overjoyed that I have finally come to Him, He’s also sad that I had to experience so much hurt in order to finally be willing to depend on Him.  That was never His plan.

God’s plan is for Him to always be my Plan A.

If I would just go to Him first with each decision I face instead of insisting on taking the scenic route, riddled with pot holes and construction zones…

If I would just spend time listening for His direction instead of petitioning Him to do things my way…

If I would just trust Him enough to take care of me, like He says He will, even though His plan is mysterious and unconventional to me….

…life wouldn’t be so hard.

I might even find it enjoyable…

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.  Isaiah 58:11