The verse I’m going to base my blog on is Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”. Who controls the events of this world? Ever wonder that in an ultimate way? Solomon had great wisdom in this regard because he had a good grasp on reality. He understood that though a man may think he determines his own way by planning and by careful thought – that ultimately God is the One who directs his steps. To some, this is a very disturbing reality.
James wrote about this same thing when he said, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’ But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. “
What an interesting thing we have before our eyes here! God wants us to consider His will and ultimately, His plans for our lives. We are not to think that we can plan to do whatever we want and thus think our way is made plain. We are to say, “Lord, if it is Your will, I will do this – and may it be for Your glory and to advance Your agenda and purposes on earth.” James then warns us that we cannot move our lives in any direction unless God is pleased with that choice. The fact that we have another day to live is a gift from Him – and we should never take that for granted. The truth is that when we take our days for granted – we are guilty of arrogant boasting before God.
Men and women plan their way. That is a simple fact of life. God is not against planning – just against those who think that they determine their lives by their planning alone. Plans can be good things when they are submitted to the Lord. They become bad things when they are contrary to what God desires in your life. He still may allow you to plan your way and work your plan. Yet, He will direct your steps. You are not a free agent to do whatever you want or please. Your way will ultimately be directed by Almighty God – and whether you serve Him or not – He will even take your rebellion and clothe Himself in it – to prove to you and everyone else that His purposes are the ones that will stand in the end. Anyone who thinks otherwise will no longer think that way when they face the ultimate judgment at His throne.
Good to see your blog post up today. We miss you and Mary.
Miss you guys too! It’s been awhile hasn’t it?
Beautifully written Randy. Gods blessings.💕🙏💕
Thanks cuz!
Beautifully written and a reminder to all of us of who is really in control of our lives. Need to plan another night out with the Bartleins very soon Big hug to you and Mary.
It’s been too long! Let’s compare calendars next week
Timely reminder! Thank you brother. Prayers and blessings!!
You’re mucho welcome!
God is always in control. Some find comfort in that and some do not. As a believer, I find much comfort in that. In the good times and the bad times it comforts me greatly. His plans are bigger, better and ultimately what is best for me. Thank you Randy for your thoughts and dedication to the Savior of the World.💙
Amen sister!
Well said and an excellent reminder. I hope you are well.
Thanks Deb. Taking it one day at a time. Hope you and yours are well.
Thanks Deb. Taking it one day at a time. Hope you and yours are well!
I had just read something similar last night on the list of deadly sins. Well – it wasn’t exactly the same, but similar in that we have spiritual responsibilities, which should be our number one importance, and the rest falls into place according to the will of God. Thanks for posting this, cousin, because it reinforces the importance of what I was reading, and that I need to pay attention to it.
‘He will even take your rebellion and clothe Himself in it’ — woah! If that isn’t an in-your-face statement! Truly awesome Rando 🙂
Thanks Petunia! Miss seeing you on Monday’s. Hope all is well.
Steps:
S. urrender
T. rust
E. mpty/evaluate
P ower&purpose
S. erve