Neither are your ways, my ways, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55, verse 8.

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our plans and God's plans was written by Jennifer Benson Schultt and read by Rochelle Traub.

Isaiah, chapter 55, verses 8 through 12.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways, declares the Lord.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts

than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth,

and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth.

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.

The mountains and hills will burst into song before you

and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

God's Plans, written by Jennifer Benson Schultt.

Many years ago, my husband decided to take a trip to Africa with a group of people from his church.

At the last minute, the group was prevented from going on its journey.

Everyone was disappointed, but the money they'd collected for airfare, lodging, and food

was donated to the people they'd tried

...