Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16 (NIV)
At the start of each year, I ask Jesus to take control of my calendar. I also ask Him to fill in the blank dates to mesh with His purposes for me. This practice keeps me mindful of my role: I’m His servant, here to do His bidding. He alone knows what that looks like on a day-to-day basis. This also reduces my stress when the unexpected happens. If He’s in charge, then there’s no need to fret when plans change, right?
On one occasion, I’d experienced three difficult months due to medical reasons. Everything climaxed when I broke into shingles ten days before I was to speak at a women’s retreat. Determined to fulfill my commitment despite the pain, I didn’t mention my situation to the event planners. Five days before the retreat, they phoned me and canceled due to circumstances beyond their control. I’ve spoken at women’s events for nearly two decades, and only two groups have canceled. This was one of those instances. When our call ended, I sensed Jesus remind me that I’d invited Him to rule my calendar, and He had ruled in favor of rest (Psalm 23:2).
On another occasion, I had a month with no scheduled commitments, which made me available to travel to Alberta to visit my mother and lend a hand for a week. A few days later, another family member experienced an emergency and needed me. The timing was perfect.
Inviting Jesus to take control of my calendar is one of the best practices I’ve begun doing. I can’t imagine a better way to start the year.
Faith Step : Invite Jesus to fulfill His purposes for your life every day this year.
Excerpted from Mornings with Jesus 2021.
