So, What’s The Plan?
May 27, 2020·Elizabeth Ewens
Conspiracy Theories?
Government Control Manipulations?
Pandemic Is God’s Judgement?
What?!?
Like you, during this season of sheltering, I have watched the news most days to see what is happening with our country and our rules, because it affects us. And there they are! The conspiracy theorists that say either government leaders in another country did this on purpose, or there is a secret society pulling all the strings, or government officials are using this to control the people. Any of those things are scary to think about. So, I don’t. I don’t just stick my head in the sand and pretend nothing bad is happening, but I have seen what happens when we focus on the fear-panderers, the conspiracy theorists and any other loud voice that stirs up fear and panic. Are they all wrong? I don’t know. Is there any truth in what they say? I don’t know. But here is one thing I do know:
Psalm 33:10-11 says,
The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Our God is greater than any powerful government, any secret society of wealthy people, any country, any human plan or pandemic. Read it again:
The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations.
I have learned that no matter what I see happening in our world, no matter how hard things get, no matter how impossible a comeback seems, no matter how far down into a hole I get, God’s plan for my life is still possible. And God’s plan for your life is still possible. Yes, what was our “normal life” is forever changed. But that can be a good thing! I am clinging (see Shaina’s devotion from last week) to Jesus, so that I come through this season stronger, better and thankful for all He has done.
If you’ve been affected during this pandemic by the loss of a job, or your business had to close, or you are living on your savings, someone you know and love died, or whatever your circumstance, please, PLEASE remember that the plans of the LORD stand firm forever. What are God’s plans? Well, one we’ve probably all read is Jeremiah 29:11,
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I’ll agree with that, Lord! So, this Saturday in our PAUSE Bible Reading Plan, when you read Psalm 33, read the entire chapter. And when you get to the end, read these verses out loud, declaring prophetically:
18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in You.
Amen and Amen!
Pastor Elizabeth Ewens
