First Baptist Church of Herndon

Not my plan

Linda Soller | Apr 27, 2015

Jeff had worked at the company for a few years. From day one he felt the job was beneath him, but he needed benefits the company provided, and he was confident he would move up quickly. There were pay increases, promotions, and new challenges, still Jeff was not happy. It didn’t take Jeff long to gather a circle of friends willing to commiserate. Misery does love company. When things didn’t go his way he complained. When he thought it served his personal agenda he used information on his “friends” to reach his goals. The really sad thing was Jeff did good work. His supervisor had gone to bat for him when others were tired of dealing with his bad attitude.  The respect his supervisor had worked hard to earn over the years had saved Jeff’s job more than once. Jeff didn’t see it that way, he felt he deserved more, and made fun of the supervisor behind his back.

Ever know a person like Jeff? Maybe you were one of people drawn in to the tight circle of friends. Jeff was always nice to you, or so you thought. Maybe you avoided the trap, and let your actions and accomplishments speak for themselves. Thank God, for your good judgment. Most of the people in the world, like our Jeff, who is imaginary in case you weren’t sure, eat up a lot of other people’s time and energy. I don’t know, maybe they didn’t feel loved as children, maybe they were bullied, maybe they were bullies and this is what bullying looks like as they grow up. I use the expression “grow up” loosely. For whatever reason people like Jeff feel entitled. They can’t seem to see the other side of any situation, and if they do they won’t admit it. One thing is clear, they have a personal agenda. Have you heard the joke; “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plan.”  Ah, you are smiling, but it’s so true.

The plan was progressing right on schedule, Jeff’s schedule. The new ad campaign would start the end of the week, he would work for three days and then leave them high and dry. “That will teach them. They will see how much they rely on me.” Jeff typed in his email to his friends. He had sent his resignation first thing when he got to his office. One hour later the head of the marketing department and the department administrator appeared at his office door. “Jeff, we just heard you resigned and we want to congratulate you on your new job. There isn’t any need for you to work your three day notice, so we are here to help box up your things, you can leave now, and you will be paid for all three days.” Jeff felt angry and blurted out, “But that’s not my plan.” The department head smiled kindly and said in a quiet voice only the three of them could hear, “Yes, we know.”

When was the last time you prayed to understand God’s plan for your life? How many times do we ignore Him because His plan is not part of our plan? When we see people in need do we set aside our plans to help? When we come across a person like Jeff do we allow ourselves to be taken in by the negativity? Do we have plans with unrealistic time frames? Do our plans ignore the welfare of others? A wealthy young man came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to follow Jesus. He explained he was a good person, followed all the laws, and from the looks of him Jesus could see the young man had done well by worldly standards. Jesus told him to give it all away, all the wealth, all the worldly things. The young man must have looked confused, that was not his plan. When Jesus comes to you with an opportunity, don’t be caught saying, that's not my plan.

Have a great week! :o)  Linda