Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 1, 2020
Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son. Genesis 18:14
When I was a young man I was more short-sighted, but as time passes, I think and plan more in terms of years. Instead of, “How can we plan for a family mission trip this spring”–with a high risk of frustration, because of the short notice. A more helpful approach, after experiencing years of managing relationships, expectations and resources, is how can we plan for a family mission trip Q1 of 2021? A longer period of preparation provides margin to anticipate changes and to clearly communicate. Planning big ideas a year out increases the likelihood of successful initiatives.
As a more mature woman, Sarah could not fathom getting pregnant, much less raising a child. But that was exactly the Lord’s plan. Fortunately, He gave her a twelve month time frame to prepare herself for the emotional and physical pressures to come. God was not finished with Sarah and Abraham in their old age, and in some ways, they were just getting started. Talk about staying young! God would confirm His covenant to Abraham and his family through the birth of Isaac.
“But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year” (Genesis 17:21).
What is the Lord’s plan for you over the next 12 months? Is He leading you to accomplish something big, that requires significant prayer and preparation? Start now with step one and do not be overwhelmed by step fourteen. Remodeling your home? Start by requesting several quotes on the estimated cost. Itching to reenroll in school? Start the application process. Ready for a career change? Start networking. Hope to exercise and eat right? Show up at the gym and consider hiring a trainer. Hunger for consistent Bible reading? Buy a One Year Bible and read each day with another person or two. Prayerfully plan ahead and the Lord will reward your wise preparations.
As you plan, submit to the Holy Spirit to draw out of your heart—His best plan. Humility to change courses or even cancel a project because the timing is not right, positions you for the Lord’s best. Like Sarah, don’t be surprised if God asks you to do something this upcoming year that will be impossible without divine intervention. Obey willingly and trust Christ to carry out His will for your life. Do your part: pray, plan, persevere. God will faithfully do His part: answer prayer, give wisdom and energize. A dull pencil from planning, is better than a sharp mind that procrastinates..
“Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there” (Proverbs 16:9, TPT).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be patient and plan with time to spare for interruptions.
Related Reading
Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 15:22; Ephesians 1:11; James 4:15-16
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Obey willingly and trust Christ to carry out His will for your life. #WisdomHunters #spiritual #plan #Jesus
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