It's All Part Of The Plan (Using Failure as an Anchor)

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Proverbs 19:21

When I was growing up, although my wife would argue I never really grew up, I always loved to plan things out. Planning strategies for plastic army men, filming home made movies for history class, or creating an art concept and watching it come to life. It always amazed me watching things that I played a part in, half way turn out successful. In reality, I have the fear of failing. I think we all do at some point. There have been times in life where I completely messed things up and I found it hard to get back on my feet. When I was in the 7th grade, I was fascinated with tornadoes. What 7th grade boy wouldn't be fascinated with a big cone of wind and dust flying through the air at an insane amount of speed? I wanted to grow up to be a tornado chaser but I also wanted to grow up to be a garbage man that rode on the back of the truck, but that is besides the point. I created a science project that described how tornadoes were formed and the destruction they can cause. For part of my experiment, I taped 2 coke bottles together and filled one bottle up with water with food coloring for dramatic effect. The concept was to flip the bottle with water upside down and it will create a funnel going into the next bottle. After a few times of doing this, I decided to flip it over one last time to end the project, and as I did, the tape came undone and water and food coloring went everywhere! All I remember shouting was "Don't worry it's all part of the plan!." I was completely embarassed and soked. Isn't funny how we use the same statement in life today when on the inside we feel absolutely terrible. Maybe we made some bad decisions, or things didn't turn out the way we thought they would, and we trick ourselves into thinking that everything is "All part of the plan." But what if it is? What if God allows us to fail? What if there is beauty in failing? Over the years I have learned that when I fall, to fall gracefully. Meaning, that when things don't turn out as we expect or life hits us hard, remember the Grace that has been poured out on you through Jesus. God is not bothered by our failures because He understands exactly what and who He is dealing with. Nothing surprises Him. I want to challenge you to embrace your failures today, and let God show you who He is and who He has created you to be in the midst of your shortcomings. You are not meant to live an ordinary life, but rather experience an extraordinary one.

-AP-