Proverbs 16-17 -- Our Plans Versus God's Sovereignty

A lot of what I read this morning seemed to deal with our perceptions and plans and motives versus God’s sovereignty.

 

“People make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true.  You may believe you are right, but the Lord will judge your reasons.  Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.  The Lord makes everything go as He pleases … People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do … Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death … People throw lots to make a decision but the answer comes from the Lord … the Lord tests hearts …”

 

This seems to be saying that sin alters our perceptions about what’s going on around us and even what’s going on inside us.  God lays open our hearts and reveals our motives – why we are doing what we’re doing.  If our motives aren’t pure, He can use His sovereignty to keep us from gain.

 

Ideally, when we come up with an idea, we should ask the Lord if it fits into His will and expectantly await an answer.  Only a fool would rashly make plans that go against God.

 

Strangely, being in His will doesn’t necessarily mean that our plans will succeed, for God may have planned, as He did for Job, to show us more about Himself through testing.  How important it is, therefore, that we not equate success with always being in God’s will.  Instead, even in times of loss we should look for God’s sovereignty and see He may have chosen to grow us spiritually through those tough times.

 

Father, help me to see events through Your eyes.  Lead me to better understand Your will and Your way.  Guide me to consult You before making plans.  Help me to be in the center of your will for my life.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford