DAILY READING
REFLECTION
No Guarantees But God
by Judy Webb
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
We hear a lot of talk about planning. We are told to plan for a family, plan for college, plan out your career – and my favorite – plan for retirement. Most of us have heard the saying, “if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”
Proverbs 1:21 teaches, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
It is important that we don’t leave God out of our planning. Praying about our dreams and plans will bring God into the process. Why not? Only He knows the big picture, only He has eyes on tomorrow. As the Message version says, “We plan, but only God can see the plan through.” Our steps are directed by the Lord and the Lord’s purpose prevails.
This devotion has me reflecting on its truth. My husband and I shared an exciting retirement plan. We purchased our dream home in the north woods of Wisconsin, and then began a three-year countdown until we would leave our careers, pull up stakes and make the big move to the land of our dreams. This is a long story, but an example of human plans versus God’s all-knowing plan for us. His plan was to take my husband home to His side and to send me into the North-woods alone for a season.
So, as a traveler in this life, I am reminded of this reality found in James 4:14-15. "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…Instead you should say, 'if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or do that.'” Isn’t it starting to become obvious that we are not the ones in control? "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him." (Psalm 37:23)
I derive great comfort from the fact there are numerous scripture references for this topic. I find the same true whenever I am in a predicament which requires Godly intervention. If I ask, He will answer. If you ask, He will answer you also. Give it a try and see if God’s Word doesn’t paint a brighter picture.
PRAYER
God, open our hearts and our spirits to turn to you in all difficult situations, and there are many in this life. Thank you for always being a sound and solid presence. Your love and grace make all the difference. Amen.
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