I’m wrapping up an 18+ month cohort with some guys at my church, a cohort focused on preparing someone for pastoral leadership within the church. It’s been a great run. But honestly, this last assignment, though I appreciate its intent, is not one that particularly energizes me. “Develop a five-year plan . . . “

Though I think this five-year plan exercise is among the best I’ve seen in terms of how intentional the process is around drawing on so much what we’ve read, discussed, and prayed about over the past year-and-a-half, I just have always found it hard to think about coming up with a personal “purpose statement” or a multi-year “vision” of how I see myself “bringing God glory.” In fact, to sort of quote a young friend of mine from years ago, “Sometimes I struggle to have a plan for the next 5 hours.” Add to that some past experience with the unpredictability of what can happen in five years, and whew, seems a little daunting. But I’ll do the exercise. I know it will be helpful.

And this morning, as I read something in Psalm 138, I’m encouraged that while I may feel challenged at trying to articulate a plan, I can rest that God will fulfill His purposes.

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;
       Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of Your hands.

(Psalm 138:8 ESV)

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

David’s giving thanks though he is walking in the midst of trouble (138:1-2, 7). He may be king, but his life has not been free from calamity. Might be at the top of the food chain but doesn’t exempt him from being tried by his enemies. His might be the highest name in the land and his power the most powerful in the land, but he finds himself needing to call out to the Name above all names for strength for His soul (138:3). How come? ‘Cause things are not going according to his five-year plan.

But at the end of the day . . . at the end of his prayer . . . at the end of this song . . . this weary monarch rests in reminding himself of the well-worn assurance that the LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.

Me too. Don’t know exactly what that will be over the next five years (or next five hours), but I know emphatically that the work He’s begun in me, He will finish in me (Php. 1:6).

And I know that while I try and plan my ways, the LORD will establish my steps (Prov. 16:9).

So, I’ll prayerfully do the exercise. And I’ll seek to rest in the promise that the LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.

By His grace. For His glory.