Lord, Prepare Me for What's Ahead
Your Nightly Prayer
Amber Ginter
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” - Proverbs 3:5, NIV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
If I had it my way, I would've been married at twenty-four, landed my dream job by twenty-five, and been financially secure by twenty-six. The funny thing about controlling and mapping out our lives, however, is that it rarely plays out the way we think it will. I think Proverbs 16:9 says this best: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps" (NIV).
As a type-A woman with high-functioning anxiety, I like to be in control. I enjoy routine and following patterns. Nothing brings me more joy than crossed-off checklists, color-coded planners, and plans going exactly as predicted. Ironically, the career and deep vocation God has called me to is rarely predictable or controllable. Being an author isn't for the faint of heart or the predictable ones. And yet, in the places where I've held the least grip or control, I've felt His presence the most.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we're reminded to trust God with all that we are. That includes our heart, mind, and soul. In other words, God deserves more than lip service. He deserves hearts that follow Him wholeheartedly. We're also told that as we trust God, we need to lean on His understanding and not our own.
At the end of the day, the reality is this: We can plan our steps, but God's purposes will always prevail. I've learned this the hard way. God called me to write full-time as an author, but I'm just now stepping into this calling. It still hasn't been easy. Just when I think I'm going to have a traditional book contract, things fall through. On the other hand, random blessings often come my way. This is how I know God is in control and I am not.
Friend, if you're like me, trusting God over your plans and dreams is hard. We have so many desires and longings for control, it's hard to release our grip. But God knows best. If you have to wait, it's in His best interest for you. If he says to go, it's in your favor. You can trust that if your heart is aligned with His will, it will come to fruition, no matter how long it takes. The path isn't always straight, but with His guidance, you'll get to your destination right on time, preparing you for what's ahead.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Finding peace in the unknown is scary. Especially when seasons are changing and we struggle to trust you with whole hearts, please give us your peace that surpasses all understanding. When all we want to do is cling to control, root us in your trust rather than our own. We know you will get us to our destination right on time, and that we can trust you because you're faithful and true. We praise and thank you, Lord.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Where do you struggle to trust God the most? Journal about this in prayer.
2. How can you practically "let go" of control? Try this exercise: As you talk to God in prayer, open one hand to receive and lay the other down to release.
3. Talk with a trusted friend or counselor about God's plans for your future. Pray together and ask God to prepare you for what's ahead, even when we lack full insight or understanding.
Photo Credit: ©Getty/Huseyin Bostanci
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Originally published Wednesday, 03 September 2025.
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