Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1 KJV
You really cannot and must not underestimate the importance of planning right. There is nothing you want to achieve on earth that will not demand some information and structured action, in order to ensure that you have success. God also had a plan when he made the world, and the account of creation reveals the amazing structure around his plan. Light was made first, then all the heavenly host and then the animals and birds, then man, to cater for all that had been made before him. If God would plan, and I am made in his likeness, I must also make a plan for all that God has made me to accomplish. It would therefore amount to foolishness if I think I can get away with coasting through life, with no idea of what God demands of me or an idea of how to fulfil all that God demands.
Building a house takes time and resources. It requires a plan, because you cannot build a house by dreaming, or by accident. If it will look like what you planned, you really do need a plan. So, do I know the kind of house God is making me into? Do I have an idea of all the resources I need to build the house? Have I sought the right kind of people and help that will aid in building according to plan? Today's extract makes it clear that when I have assembled all the materials, resources and information required for the work, the most important part has to be getting God's approval for the work to be done. What is the use of good materials, the best hands and the best ground, if God is not a part of it?
This is the bit that the human part of us struggles with. We have amassed degrees; made the right kind of friends, developed the right circle of influence, yet we don't get what we want. We lie, scheme and cheat, yet we are no nearer to where God wants us to be. It has never been about the strongest, fastest or the smartest; it is first about he who God helps. Once God is involved in the project, all that you have provided supports the vision God has birthed. If God is not involved, it does not matter what the value of your provisions are.
We build high fences and employ men and devices as guards or protection, yet we recall how the angel of death went through the land of Egypt and killed all the firstborn in the land, including those of animals. It did not matter what the security layout of the land was; once God was fighting against Egypt, they were doomed. If God watches over you, it does not matter what the quantity or quality of the opposition against you is. However, if God is not the one watching you, you have only employed an alert system, able to tell you when trouble comes, but unable to help you in anyway in that trouble that you have.
With God, numbers are not important. He can keep one, and he can keep a city. He can keep a child safe, as he did with Jesus when Herod sought to kill him, and he can preserve a whole country, as he did when he caused Israel's enemies to hear the sound of an army and they fled. God does not need numbers to do what he can do, as he can save by one or by thousands. He has thousands upon thousands of angels at his command; how can a mortal man ever think that he can fight against this God and win?
Please plan, but plan light. Make plans, but make them with God as the master planner. Lay out the strategy, but make sure you have the Man of war on your side as you plan. Seek out options and alternative measures if need be, but never settle for a compromise when it comes to the Help of Israel. He is the one always at work, never tired, always there to help. He needs me to work with him, as he works out his plan for all of life. May I cooperate with God and bring his plan and purpose for my life to pass. May his grace be sufficient to enable me trust him completely. God's time of favour is here.
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