“Cup,” by Chance?

Reading Exodus 26:30 got my coffee brewing…

God spoke to Moses:

“Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.”

The tabernacle was God’s design, and He gave Moses step-by-step instructions to accomplish that plan. He did not leave the construction of the tabernacle to chance, hoping that Moses would get it right. God was very specific about His design, His plan.

By Design, Not by Chance

Like the tabernacle, God created my “cup” according to His plan. He made me the shape and size He determined. He also designed my “cup” with specific detail, unlike any other “cup.” The bottom of my “cup” probably has an engraved number one dated 12/22/19?? — God only fired one “cup” designed “Dodie.” (Fred praises God for the extra lump of grace in his “cup.”)

I am sure God’s detail for my life started with Living Water. He blended His unique ingredients, resulting in His perfect design for me. (I am confident Starbucks is part of my special mix!) He included sugar and cream, the “rich” factors that multiply love and comfort in my cup (any quantity — no calories — extra happy!).

As a stir stick swishes the coffee, sugar, and cream for a smooth blend, the Holy Spirit’s power blends strength throughout my cup. What God adds to my cup is what He has planned for me — even those coffee grounds of difficulty that seem to surface right when I think I cannot possibly swallow one more thing.

I have to remind myself:  He created me. He designed me. He planned my life before I was “manufactured” (Psalm 193:13-16). He knows what is best for me.

Remind me, why is it I look at those clumps of coffee grounds with doubt and anxiety?

Psalm 139:17-18 says:

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake I am still with you.”

Surely a God who thinks about me that much did not leave my design to chance, and whatever is in my “cup” is not by happenstance.

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).