Plans vs Purpose

Things started out so well. In Genesis 25, beginning at verse 19, we continue the story of Isaac and Rebecca. Isaac prays for Rebecca - God answers with Rebecca's pregnancy. Rebecca prays for understanding of the turmoil inside her - God answers with an explanation. Twins! Then it all gets soap-opera-style messy.

"Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives."

As their sons grow, Isaac and Rebecca each favor one son over the other. For their part, the sons - Esau and Jacob - are in a battle for the honored position of firstborn. What happened to the prayerful consideration? The listening for and to God?

Sometimes, like a whirlwind, our days go by in a jumble of to-do lists, meetings, commitments. Life. Doing so much, but accomplishing so little. It's so easy to get caught up in the everyday busyness, and forget that we are to be about God's business.

Take time to today - each day - to stop, be grateful, seek and listen to God's guidance.

Gracious God, when life threatens to sweep our feet out from under us help us to focus on you, and to trust your love to carry us from our plans to your purposes. Be thou our vision.

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.

106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

that I will follow your righteous laws.

107 I have suffered much;

preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.

108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,

and teach me your laws.

109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,

I will not forget your law.

110 The wicked have set a snare for me,

but I have not strayed from your precepts.