READ: PROVERBS 16:3-9; ROMANS 8:28-29; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

When I was seventeen, my second choice for a summer activity rose to become my first. Early in the year, I auditioned for the all-state marching band, which would travel and perform during the summer. However, I didn’t get selected for that honor, so I set my sights on something different. I decided to work with a group called the Youth Conservation Corps, helping maintain national parks and wildlife areas. I relished time in nature and thought I’d fit in well. First, however, I needed to apply.

I diligently completed the application. I asked my favorite teacher to write a recommendation for me. Then I waited. In the spring, I finally received word—I had not been hired for the job. Now both my goals for the summer had been squashed.

Back then, I viewed this as a failure. Over time, though, I’ve learned to examine these circumstances through the eyes of faith. It’s true I didn’t make the cut for the marching band or the environmental protection work I envisioned doing. But I didn’t need to despair. I didn’t need to wonder if the loss of these dreams would derail my life from moving forward.

If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are God’s children, and we can rely on our good Father. We can also rely on what He tells us in His Word. We can set goals and make plans toward them, all the while trusting that God establishes our steps (Proverbs 16:9). He secures a way for us, even when our own plans fall apart. As followers of Christ, we can rest in God’s unshakable peace because, although we may feel like our lives have gotten off course, God’s plans are always bigger—and better—than ours. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Can you think of a time you pursued a goal, only to find you didn’t reach it? Did it cause you to question whether you were headed in the right direction?

• When things don’t turn out like we hoped, it’s normal to be disappointed. God has compassion on us in these times, and He wants to comfort us. Consider taking some time to talk to God about any disappointments that come to mind.

• How might it be freeing to commit our plans to the Lord and trust Him with the outcomes? According to Romans 8:28-29, what is God ultimately working toward?

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)