^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29: 11

Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever “occurred” to God?

Speaking as an individual who deals with worry and anxiety over certain things in my life, I have discovered that this verse brings to light a topic that I struggle with more times than I care to admit.  That topic is Trust.  I have trust issues.  (Did I just write that out loud?!)

The challenge intensifies in these older years.  I guess when I was younger, I didn’t believe that I was ever going to get old or die, so I worked hard but never adequately prepared for the future.

Although I didn’t make my plans back then, thankfully God already had plans in place for me and I have to say, His plans have made my life amazing!  I have an amazing wife who, having been married to me for 20 years, has already qualified for sainthood.  My children are fantastic human beings, and my grandkids are second to none!  I’ve played music for over 40 years, and I had 14 years of formal ministry experience beginning with a wonderful congregation in Weslaco, Texas and ending with 8 years at one of the largest ministries in Dallas, the nation, and one of the most influential around the world. 

I’ve chatted with Cece Winans and Shirley Ceasar.  I’ve thrown the football around with Michael Irvin and have hung out with Emmett Smith and Deion Sanders.  I’ve sat in a recording studio for hours watching Fred Hammond lay down bass lines for a new song.  I’ve had the profound honor of preaching for many churches in Latin America and here in the USA and was asked to give the opening invocation at the National Hispanic Pastors Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC when President Obama had just been elected.  I was included in Al Dia’s Newspaper’s list of the Top 20 Emerging Hispanic Leaders in Dallas, and I’ve seen miracles performed in the name of Jesus Christ.

I share all of these, “I’s” to tell you this: I had absolutely no part in planning any of this.  These were all God’s plans for me and my life.  He had them drawn up since before I was in my mom’s womb (Jeremiah 1: 5).  I never could have planned anything as incredible as what my life has been and is becoming. 

So, if your life doesn’t look like what you’ve expected it to or if your plans have been thwarted by life circumstances and situations, don’t fret.  God has not forgotten you.  The thing to remember about how God works in our lives is that He doesn’t work by our time frame.  He is not concerned about schedules, time, age, economics, or illness.  He works by purpose, with purpose, on purpose.  If He has decreed it for your life, it WILL come to pass.  Nothing that is happening in your life is surprising God one bit!

Relax, rest easy and let God be God. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3: 5-6

So, strap in, hold on and enjoy the scenery.  It’s a scary but beautiful ride.  He’s got the wheel.  You can trust Him.

Written by Robert Rocha, receptionist at Buckner Family Hope Center at Bachmann Lake