I love laying out my finances. I enjoy monitoring what I eat and how I take care of my body. I often aim to divide my time efficiently so that it can utilized in the best way possible. I'm a guy that thinks set schedules are great things.
Heck, for me Google Calendars is the best thing to happen since the Marlins won the World Series in 2003!
We serve a God of order, so why shouldn't we live orderly lives as well? Being organized and having things in order gives us peace.
But there are times when I plan something out and it just doesn't seem to fit. God intervenes and says "I have a better plan."
Over the past several days I had my mind set on a certain thing. I was convinced that this was what needed to be done. I told myself: "This was when it was to be done. And this was how it was going to be done. And nothing is going to get in the way." (Ever been there?)
And then God decides to throw a wrench in the works and say "Not so fast! That's not my plan."
Then it becomes a question of whose plan we want to win out: God's or ours.
God's Plans
God's plan is clear and simple:
1) He has a future and a hope for us that can be found in Him. (Jeremiah 29:11)
2) He gave us Jesus so that we may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our needs, our wants, our desires because He created us! He has given us all the talents and abilities that we need in order to fulfill the purpose to fulfill our lives. We each have different gifts that can be used to reach out and bless those around us. Maybe you can write well. Maybe you're great with lighting and production. Maybe you have the gift of teaching. Whatever it is, God has given you that gift so that can be used to fulfill the calling He has placed in your life.
We are blessed to be a blessing to those around us. To serve one another in the love and grace that God has given us.
Our Plans
But if we are stubborn and refuse to listen, deciding that our way is the best way, it will lead to ruin. When Israel didn't listen, God "gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own plans." He was standing by, reading to deliver their enemies into their hands and to meet their needs.
Instead, time and time again, Israel rebelled and took matters into their own hands. They refused to listen to God and as a result they were subdued by their enemies. Their arrogance and pride brought them to their knees.They relied on their own understanding and their own wisdom instead of on the God that had provided for them in the desert. They became too comfortable in God's providence and lost sight of what was really important. (Psalm 81:10-16)
Solution: Sync Our Plans with God Plans
Planning is a good thing. We should always have an ordered plan that is structured. But that plan has to be in alignment with God's plan. If not then we are simply setting ourselves up for failure. Here are three things that are necessary to making sure that our plans get into alignment with His:
1) Trust
God wants us to trust Him in the plan that He has has tailored for each of our lives. We need to acknowledge that He's God and we're not! He's perfect and we're not. The reason why many of us are hesitant to get on board is because we have trust issues. And that's the point. God wants us to trust Him like a son trusts his father. Trust in the Lord will lead to healing and strength, and when we trust God with every area of our life, the blessings will be overflowing. (Proverbs 3:5-10)
2) Obedience
Whoever we obey, we will be under it's power. Obedience to sin will lead to death as Paul brought up a number of times (Romans 6:16). But if we come under the authority of God, he will bring righteousness and life. When we are obedient to what God has commanded us to do, He will bless us. When we walk in His ways, we will prosper.
3) Consistency
We have to be continually pursuing God. Continually seeking wisdom, guidance and direction for our lives. We need to set apart time to be with Him and study His word and pray. Let's make a commitment to align God's will and plan with ours. When we do that, we will have peace and we will reap the blessings God has promised us.
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SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10, Romans 6:16, Psalm 81:10-16, Proverbs 3:5-10
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