Change of Plan

Some days' OYCB readings are easier to blog about than others.  Today's reading is one of those that seems to have no spiritual significance whatsoever.

However, with further consideration of Numbers chapter 32, I found myself pondering the "change of plan" in regards to all Israel occupying the Promised Land.  The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh found that the land east of the Jordan River was more suitable for their livestock trade, so they requested to settle there.  Although there was no uncertain immediate fuss about it, once the request aged a little it was clearly okay by God (with the condition that the eastern settlers helped conquer Canaan along with all the rest of Israel).

My point?

Even though God is God and His holiness is unchangeable, He is, in fact, flexible in how He accomplishes His "Big Picture."  I realize I am opening Pandora's Box by making this statement, but I know for fact that God has "worked with me" when it has come to following His will - and the outcome has indeed been Divine.

Of course it is entirely possible that my life has simply been a series of one bad choice after another and that any positive aspects of it have been merely coincidental.  It could be that I have been a rebel all along and that I have totally missed God's intended purpose for my life...

I think, however, that this instance involving those desiring to dwell east of the Jordan reveals God's willingness to work with us.  I believe, as long as I am willing to seek and follow God's will, that He is willing to work with my unique personality and skills to accomplish His intended plan.  I am also comfortable with the fact that God may wish to take me out of my comfort zone (as far as personality or skills) to get His plan done.  Having established this, I find no hesitation to make specific requests to God just as the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh did.  Likewise, I fully realize I may find my request is modified to better suit God's way.

Back to my point...

Today's reading reveals that God does not necessarily intend for us to live as robots.  We can see, we can hear, and we can think.  Why would God not want to utilize those traits in us as long as we are obedient?

Father, I hope I am not understanding and presenting You in the wrong way here.  I sincerely appreciate the fact that You have worked uniquely with me.  I find great fulfillment in knowing that You have equipped me to be who I am in order that I might, in turn, better represent Who You Are to the world as I experience it.  Thank You.