Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 31, 2014
A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. Proverbs 16:9, The Amplified Bible
God places His plan in the heart and mind of man. Indeed, His divine desires are meant to manage the motivations of believers. We can be confident as we walk with Christ that He will fill our conscience with His course of action. Like a meandering river, we normally make our way through life not knowing for certain what’s around the next bend, but we keep believing in the goodness of God to guide us. We plan and trust God’s hand to point us in the right direction.
So, why plan if the Lord is sovereign, all knowing and all powerful? We plan, and in the process we hope to better understand God’s game plan. It is an exercise of faith in our heavenly Father to show us the next right step. Planning is good stewardship and keeps us from presuming on God’s favor. In a similar way, an earthly father wants to support a son or daughter who seeks to steward their time with a vision for their life, so the Lord wants to resource a prayerful plan.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
What in your life needs a plan? Perhaps you settle on a college major, even though you are still unsettled. Healthcare, financial management, relational care, career advancement and family goals all take time to think through and write out the first few next steps. Better to have an imperfect plan than to wait irresponsibly for a perfect plan. We plan the best we can and trust the Holy Spirit with what we don’t understand. Thankfully the Lord makes sure our unsure steps.
Furthermore, our heavenly Father will direct our steps after we take the first step of faith. Like a child learning to walk we will stumble and fall, but our loving Father will pick us up and encourage us to continue on in His strength. The Holy Spirit can better direct a life actively moving forward by faith, than one passively stuck in fear or apathy. We pray the Spirit reveals His plans while we adjust our plans to His. God can bless a mess, but normally He blesses a plan.
“Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you” (1 Thessalonians 3:11, NKJV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to take the first step in my plan, trusting that You will direct my course.
Related Readings: Psalm 90:12; Job 33:29-30; Ephesians 2:10; James 4:14-15
Post/Tweet today: We plan the best we can and trust the Holy Spirit with what we don’t understand. #wisdomhunters
Free eBook when you invite 5 friends to the free email devotional…https://www.wisdomhunters.com/invite-your-friends/
