When My Plan Is Not God's Plan

I often hear the saying: “God’s plan is the best for everyone.” But when I thought my plans were already in line with God’s will, everything changed 180 degrees. My life fell apart, lost direction, and had no way out of the problem. And I am sure I am not the only one who has ever experienced this.

In a situation like this, how can we be sure that God’s plan is better for us?

Why Does God Allow It?

Seventeen years ago, I decided to become a Christian. After going through so many shaping processes from God, I am grateful that I can still be a follower of Christ to this day. I have a spiritual community that supports and loves me, as well as a fairly good job. I want to keep giving my best to God, helping more people know Him and His Word.

At a glance, my life looked ‘happy.’ It was easy for me to think that my dreams and plans must surely fit with God’s plan.

Until I arrived at the situation in this verse:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

In the middle of 2017, I experienced depression. I found it hard to sleep, lost my appetite, felt sad for no reason every day, was always tired, and was no longer interested in the things I used to enjoy. Life was no longer pleasant. All my plans and dreams vanished, swept into a roll of ‘dark clouds.’

When I was first diagnosed with high function depression, I did not believe it and found it hard to accept my condition. The people closest to me were also puzzled, how could someone whose life (seemed) fine be experiencing depression?

As I went through all of that, I began to wonder, is it really true that God’s plan is a plan of peace?

Struggles Are Part of the Growth Process

A number of experts believe there is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes someone to experience depression, although this is still debated. The triggers for depression can be genetic and physiological factors, as well as external aspects, such as traumatic events, stress, medication (medical drugs as well as narcotics), environmental pressure, and much more.

In short, the causes of depression are so complex and there is no certain formula for handling it. Each sufferer may be helped in different ways. And for someone like me who prefers certainty, this situation became even more frustrating.

I know that God, the Creator of the earth and all that is in it, is the Architect of every human life. His plan is always the best. But how could I accept God’s plan when He ‘allowed’ me to struggle with depression?

Why should I see it as part of the process of spiritual growth?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans of peace and not of disaster, to give you a future full of hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

God’s plan is different for each person, but His purpose is the same, that we may have a relationship that grows ever closer to Him. Dark clouds come and go in life. And in the process, whether in the form of blessing or struggle, we need to reflect on what things actually help our relationship with God grow.

Every dark cloud ‘holds’ something that becomes the seed of our growth.

Accept Your Condition and Trust His Process

After that, I decided to ask the Architect of life for help. I cried out to God: where and to whom should I go for therapy? And I am grateful that He answered my prayer.

“And when you call upon Me and come and pray to Me, I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12

Going through the therapy process up to today has made me understand that:

First of all, we must accept our condition first. The process may be long and difficult, but by accepting it, we will find it easier to go through it. We can grow in knowing God and His plan.

Second, believe that God’s plan in our lives is always good and remains good. That He is in control of whatever happens in our lives, from long ago and forevermore.  

If today you are going through a difficult condition or situation, and dark clouds cover all your hope, the first thing you can do is come to God. Then, let God’s process help you. Entrust your life to the Greatest Architect, because God’s plan is the best for everyone who is willing to believe.

* Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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