I am finishing up Beth Moore’s wonderful study on the book of Esther. The idea of destiny is a major focal point. So of course that got me to thinking.

It is felt by some that to think you have a destiny or that God has a plan for your life is limiting, that it takes away your right to make choices. To me destiny is completely different.

For example, what happens when you read a story about the Titanic? We know how it is going to end. But, if you are like me, knowing what happens doesn’t stop you from hoping everyone makes it home safely and that the ship will not actually sink.

Here is the thing. God has read my book. He has been at my beginning and end as well as every moment in between. He knows the icebergs I will hit, my narrow misses, essentially the path I will take. But God does not just sit back and watch. Oh, there have been times I have felt that is what He has done. “Hey, Father, I’m in pain here. I don’t know what to do. I feel all alone.” Hmm. That sounds familiar.

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” ” – Matthew 26:36-38

So Jesus, being human, knew what it felt like to be scared. He also knew what it was to feel alone and abandoned. His closest friends did not stay awake with him and then later rejected even knowing him. However, Jesus did not hesitate at what action to take in this moment.

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”…Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” ” – Matthew 26:39-46

I have found in my deepest need that God has definitely NOT just kept turning pages, leaving me alone in my story. I have hit my knees and found that because He had the benefit of fast forward He was already on the floor waiting for me, ready to be with me in each moment.

To some it may seem like our life has already been planned. Not really. God has just jumped to the end of the book because He could not wait to see how it ends. “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6

I find freedom in my Father knowing my path and Him saying, “I know which way you should go. Follow me.” He also knows when I will say, “No. I think this way is better.” I can just see Him shaking His head and saying, “I KNEW you were going to say that!”