Christ Our Shepherd Lenten Devotion Series 2024
New Chapters in God’s Plan
March 22, 2024
The following Lenten devotional on the theme of God’s Plan – the new covenant comes from David Beecher who, until recently, was the Minister of Music at Christ Our Shepherd.
God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. Colossians 1:27
I am richly blessed. I got to spend the last 25 years doing what I love with people that I love in a place I love. And after I retired and Larry arrived, he was gracious to allow me to sing in the choir, ring handbells, and help with children as a volunteer. This new chapter in my life has been great.
Growing up, I would never have guessed that living in Georgia would be perfect for us. But living in Peachtree City for 21 years and now Sharpsburg has been a great blessing. In looking back at the most significant decisions of my life, I have realized that God was there, not dictating my choices but prodding me to choose my best option. I have made too many mistakes to count, and still regret some of them years later, but the foundational decisions—finding Miriam, having two sons, using my abilities and joys to respond to God’s calling—have been the results of God’s leading.
I would never make God responsible for what happened last October when my heart stopped and I was forced into many adjustments, but it is a remarkable gift that I get to have more days to revel in his blessings. So far, this new chapter has changed me, but I can’t say that I resent it. Is it God’s plan for me to have a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted in a few weeks? Maybe, but that doesn’t matter to me. What does matter is that having that procedure done should provide me with the strength and stability to continue to follow what I understand to be God’s plan for my life. Do I have a blueprint? No, and I don’t expect you do either. But if we make prayerful decisions at turning points, God can unfold a plan that is just right each for us. Ultimately, with Christ in us, we “will share in the glory of God.” What a hope and a plan that is!
Let us pray:
Gracious God, help us to rely on your presence in our lives. Guide us to make decisions that will honor you and bring us fulfillment and joy. Give us your wisdom as you work in us to reveal your plan for us. Through Jesus Christ our guide and Savior, Amen.
