OUR PLANS ~ GOD'S WILL
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5
As we plan our day, we should never be so rigid that we become inflexible. Each day has its own surprises, and we must be ready for them because today's surprises are opportunities for us. They must be claimed for they may come our way only once. We must be open to make an occasional detour to fill a special need. We must keep in mind, we are in this world to serve, not to be served.
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." Proverbs 6:3
"For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1Corinthians 3:9-11
As we look at skyscrapers towering high above us, we see the wonder of its structure. It had an architect who designed every part of it. Builders and skilled workmen followed the architect's drawing plans. The structure took shape. So this is in our lives also. God is our architect in our life! We build on Christ, the sure foundation!
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9
"For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." James 4:15
Does the phrase, "the good Lord willing" still play a part in your daily planning? James noted that even Christians are tempted to make plans without considering the will of God. He reminds us that we who live under a loving God depend on His good pleasure. When we make our plans, we must seek guidance and direction from Him. When we add, "If the good Lord wills," we express our willingness to change or abandon our plans in favor of His plan for us.
"The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:1
God is a personal planner for every one of us. Before we were formed in our mother's womb, God chose His plan and purpose for each one of us.
"Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctifed thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
Read what Jeremiah says in chapter one. As we apply this to our lives, it makes perfect sense to consult God in prayer to discover His plans before we initiate ours. Too often we make our own plans and then ask God to fit Himself into them. God works out His will despite our selfish plans, but prayerful planning with God results in purposeful performance.
"There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand." Proverbs 19:21
Application: Commit your work and ways to the Lord. Establish your plans according to God's will. Because we know the Master planner, we can accept His ways for us. To all our requests and prayers, we should add, "If it be Your will." The God who sacrificed His one and only Son to redeem us will not let us down!
Today's Devotion: "And this will we do, if God permit." Hebrews 6:3
God Bless You All as you seek God's will in your daily plans and in all that you do.
