Plan!

Plan!

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

We come again to the book of one-line messages, where each sentence is a message on its own. Today's verse is also the same; it has 2 parts which are individually true but also connected to each other. It is very true that by man's nature, his mind has to be busy. He is created in the image of God; he is creative, reflective and thoughtful. He is able to think through tasks and find ways to bring them to fulfilment. Just like the tower of Babel, God acknowledged the power of man's corporate and communal thinking, noting that if as one man, the group had begun to build, nothing was going to be impossible for them. It took God confusing their language for the project to be defeated. If this was true at the time, and God is the same yesterday, today and forever, it means that nothing really has changed. Man still has the capacity to impact his world by the actions that follow his thoughts, because as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. This also means that it is a fulfilment of my life's purpose if I am able to apply myself the right way. 

The Message:

This is the part where both parts of the verse merge. To discover and pursue the plan of God for my life will be the best use of my life. The breath of God in me gives me the power of independent thought, where I am capable of anything I put my mind to. The difference is always about the point of surrender, where my thoughts and actions then align with the plan of the One I am surrendered to. This is the one you cannot fake; no matter how well I can pretend, my life's actions will always reflect the one who controls my heart. It is in man's nature to make plans; the bible has several references to the necessity and importance of making plans. In fact, it is both scriptural and natural for man to sit down, think and make plans for any venture, but there has to be room for God to be God. This is a God whose plans for me had been put in place long before my parents even met. This is a God who is from everlasting to everlasting, and this temporary world cannot thwart, delay or defeat his plan. Would it therefore not be wise to find out if my plans align with His? How do you win a fight against the God who knows the end from the beginning, and whose power knows no bounds? 

The Conclusion:

Read a few of the verses of the Bible, and get the clear idea of the God you have to deal with: “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store.

Job 23:13‭-‬14 NIV

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalms 33:10‭-‬11 NIV

This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

Isaiah 14:26‭-‬27 NIV

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:10 NIV

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:39 NIV

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. Hebrews 6:17‭-‬18 NIV

Do you see the clear picture? Make plans, but be ready to have your plans changed by God at any time. Your plans can be very great, and even in line with God's Word and will, but he can also determine the timing and application of these plans. Would I surrender my will and way to Him, so He can deal as He pleases? Actually, it is even a privilege that I am asked to submit willingly. If He decides to compel me, what options do I have? It is a privilege to serve a God with absolute control over all that concerns me, and He is able to guarantee that all things will work together for my good. That is comfort. God's time of favour is here.