The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations
and thwarts all their schemes.
But the LORD'S plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. (Psalm 33:10-11, NLT)
This scripture came to mind just now after a visit with my former youth pastor. He made a big impact on my spiritual life in high school, particularly when in comes to Jesus's heart for the lost. We had kept in touch throughout my college years, but our visits depleted to about once a year. Today we got to reconnect, and what an encouragement to see that we can do so with more excitement than ever about what God is doing in our lives and in the world. I know very, very few people who live and breath to seek God's heart with all their being. When I do get to meet with them I always leave feeling totally renewed, ready to dig deep into the heart of God again. He is one of those people.
God has blessed me richly with a solid foundation and people of faith all around me. I remember well when the devil tried really hard during college to cut me off from the great cloud of witnesses around me through complacency, inadequacy, and fear, but I am thankful that the LORD WOULDN'T LET ME GO. My mom told me that during my junior year she had the pastor and pastor's wife anoint and pray over her in proxy for me. Boy, am I glad they did, and boy am I glad that people have believed in me enough and cared enough to pray me through those struggles...
