They say the quickest way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans. But, living in the hustle and bustle of today's modern society seems to force one to make plans. The call of success and consumption is ever present. Yet, job security seems to be dwindling, wages are dropping, and the price of living is skyrocketing. We find ourselves torn between lives of security and lives marked by searching after God.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

A year ago, God called me to step out and start Crown’d Incorporated, a non-profit organization that seeks to teach the royalty and worth that is found in Christ. I soon found myself stretched thin due to my work and school schedule and failing horribly. I was turning from a loving, vibrant, self-motivated, “A” student to a bitter, negative, lazy, barely passing student. I was extremely drained and had no idea what to do about it. I began ask myself, “Was starting my organization really from God?” “Should I quit my job to fulfill my duties to this non-profit full-time?” It felt like I was losing control.

And let’s be honest, no one likes to feel out of control. But life has the ability to take it away from most self-secure, successful persons. I'm sure you've heard the stories of homeless people who had it all but, due to a poor decision or an unfortunate life event, currently find themselves in an impossible situation.

Take Job in the bible. Job “was perfect and upright, and one that feared God.” He had family, property, wealth, and health. Yet, in matter of moments, Job became childless, broke, and infirm. Through his ordeal, Job came to realize the goodness of God. He was still able to say, “[God] you gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.”

Let’s be honest, no one likes to feel out of control.

Job’s story could very well be ours. He learned to give up control and to rely on God when it really matters. This is never easy – in fact, relying fully on God can feel like driving a car when you hit a patch of ice and start to skid. In this situation, the best course of action is not to fight the car, but to let go of control, to rely on the car to take you to safety.

Proverbs 4:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” For it is faith that called to be our vehicle, and God the GPS. Let God direct you on the right path.

Discussion Questions:

1. What plans do you have for your life?
2. Do you believe your plans are more "you driven" or "God driven"?
3. How can you better follow God’s plans, instead of your own?