It says in Proverbs 16 :9: "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." What does this mean to you? I would imagine that by now you have made your plans for Christmas and maybe already have begun to enjoy what you set out to do. It may be a special Christmas gift for your parents, or for your girlfriend or boyfriend. It may be that you're home for Christmas. In any event this Christmas was planned to mean something special for you.

Yes, you made your plans, but did you ever consider that God directs your steps? So often our plans are made before we consider God's will. What I mean is - we make plans and then involve (maybe sometimes threaten) God to make those plans come true, rather than through prayer and meditation discern God's will in revealing His plans for us. Now it may be, at this point, that you be ready to quit reading this article because you have heard your pastor or your folks talk about this religious (or theological) idea and you're tired of hearing it. And maybe you are right, because for you there was no practical application in it.

I, too, struggled with this idea. Don't let anyone kid you at this point; I believe everyone struggles with this.

Permit me to share with you some insights I experienced. Let me begin with an example from scripture.

When Christ was born 1976 years ago, it was planned in every detail long before Bethlehem existed. Not only that, the woman who was to bear Jesus was known in advance - it was known in eternity. So was the announcement that was to be made to the shepherds, the awful slaughter of every firstborn by Herod and the subsequent escape of Jesus' family into Egypt.

All of these events and situations were known by God well in advance. We read that Jesus came into the world at the right time - that is, it was God's time.

We also read in the New Testament that the people in Bethlehem at Jesus' birth had made many plans. It was the Passover celebration.

To prepare for such a feast required planning and effort very similar to our Christmas feast. But on this occasion in history the plans were modified from the usual as a result of the. government requiring everyone to register in the town of each man's birthplace for tax purposes.

Now imagine, if you will, the confusion this edict would create if this happened to us this Christmas. Everyone must return to his or her birthplace for taxation purposes. It is bad enough getting our tax returns in before April, let alone appearing in person. I'm sure many, if not most, would be angered and frustrated to no end. This was probably the scene during the first Christmas. And as if that were not enough, upon your arrival after a long hard journey, 'no hotel rooms' were available and you must reside in a barn where your wife gives birth to a child; and at the same time you hope to celebrate an important religious event. "It would be just too much!" many of us would say in exasperation. Well - this is what God did.

His plans take precedence over any others Joseph and Mary may have had, so that He could show to all the world that He is Lord.

Curious enough, there is not even a hint that these young people, Joseph and Mary complained. Joseph and Mary were people no different from you and me so far as the flesh is concerned. However, their faith was such that in submitting to God's plan for their lives they did not miss the gift which superceded any plans they may have made.

God's plan for your life is also filled with unexpected opportunities for making your life and those around you better. But must we always be submissive to God by directing our steps? So often we fall into the pitfall of comparing ourselves with other Christians, to convince ourselves we are pretty good people.

But what we are doing then is trying to follow a plan we know nothing about except for what we see from the outside. Not that the deeds of others cannot be helpful, but we must learn from others as one of the means God uses in revealing to us His plan. God has designed a unique life for each of us. Isn't that exciting? In the last few issues of The Pioneer we have suggested ways of making your youth organization come alive.

However, you are not expected to follow them explicitly but are encouraged to modify these ideas by tailoring them to suit your situation in reaching others for Christ. This also applies to your personal life. In other words, you may have made plans to enjoy a rewarding and blessed Christmas this year. But God, through various circumstances of His design, may have prepared for you to take a different journey. And that journey may lead you to a place where the hotel has a "No Vacancy" sign and you will have to resort to a barn (the residence of the down-and- outers).

But it is here that God has something more wonderful to give you if you are truly open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, beware: it is in the barns of futility and discouragement that you are tempted to throw up your hands with de pair and then demand from God by crying, "Why? Why me Lord?"

Instead, be calm, and wait on the Lord, for the time is now nearly ripe for the Lord to reveal to you something more precious than a hotel, or a Christmas feast.

Don't miss the great opportunity God designed especially for you. This is God's plan for your life and believe me, it is the best design.