July 26th, 2008
Let It Be So
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:20
One spring when I was in college I held onto so many options for the summer break that my friends began calling me the “options woman.” It’s true. I like options and I do, generally speaking, like to be busy with some activity or project. This summer is no exception.
I finished school the last week of June. Two days later my friend from Seattle and her husband visited us, ending with the surprise birthday party Tim threw for me. The rest of that week was spent with family who had come into town for the party. The next week we went camping in the Adirondacks. The next week we spent in Montrose teaching the SuperDoc seminar to 1-4th graders at Kids Kamp, and the next week (last week) we again stayed in Pennsylvania to teach a Walk Thru the Bible seminar at a VBS there. In between all of those excursions we came home for weekends to do the laundry, weed the garden, freeze a few beans and enjoy all the Sunday activities including the Women’s Outreach informational meeting, praise team etc. etc. I tell you my schedule not to get pity or respect but rather as an introduction to this verse that Paul wrote.
The first chapter of 2 Corinthians contains Paul’s apologies for not coming to visit them as he had anticipated. Those in Corinth were obviously NOT pleased that Paul did not follow through with his expected visit. However, Paul reminded them that he did not make plans lightly, but sometimes God has plans which we do not know about. Therefore, we can make all the plans we want to, but God has the final say in what plans actually become reality. As I read the verse above (1:20), I thought, “What in the world does that have to do with the preceding verses?” I have pondered it for a few days, and here is what I think.
We can and should make plans. However, as I stated earlier, we need to remember that God’s plans may be different than ours. Therefore, our day, week, and even life may be radically different than we planned for it to be. However, God does not plan our lives randomly. His “Yes-plans” for our lives includes promises which he makes to us. Promises based in what is best for our lives. Promises based in what others need from us. This is the basis of the “Yes-plans” that God allows to happen in our lives. We then have a choice as to how we respond to the plans God has for our lives.
We could get angry or bitter. We could turn our back on God. However, Paul encourages us to say “Amen” for the glory of God. “Amen” means “Let it be so.” Not only does it relinquish all control over the plan God has for our lives, but it also seems to show quite a peaceful attitude, doesn’t it? “Let it be so” that I did not get the raise I wanted. “Let it be so” that I did not get to go on the vacation I planned. Or, even more difficult, “Let it be so” that something happened to my child, best friend or husband. “Let it be so.” “Amen.” Why do we give the control to God? For the glory of God. To make God famous.
We must make our plans. However, we must also realize that God’s plans may be extremely different than our plans, and our attitude should be “Amen” to the glory of God. God’s “Yes-plans” occur for our good and for God’s glory. I am not saying that is easy. Lately one woman has shared with me a few horrible accidents which have occurred in the last month to various people she loves. I can’t answer the “Why” question which we all fight with. I am also not saying that when something disastrous occurs in my life I will automatically react by saying, “’Let it be so’ to the glory of God. “ However, I think that is the attitude we should pray for.
The summer will continue, and I will continue to pray about plans as we make them. However, we all must realize that we should hold our plans lightly. God may have different “yes-plans” for us. May God help us glorify him as we say, “’Amen’ to the glory of God” to his “yes-plans” for our lives.