Making Plans.. But God

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
Proverbs 16:25, 33

I want to remind you at this point that these are proverbs. That is, they are wise sayings that are typically true. It’s not a hard and fast rule; just usually the way the chips fall.
On the other hand, we can trust that God is in control. In this same chapter, verse 33 states, “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.”

We Can Be Affected by Others’ Bad Decisions

God is watching, but He has also given all of us free will. The decisions of others around us can cause our plans to go sour. We are always affected by the waves others are making.
Let me say this: It is always best to seek the will of the Father cause He’s got your back. Even when things go wrong, He sees the whole picture and He can work even better things out because of our troubles. (Romans 8:28)
As an example, let’s look at Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego. (Daniel 3) They followed what was right in God’s eyes. They would not bow down to the King’s idol; therefore, they were thrown into the furnace. A Very Hot Furnace, mind you. But God definitely had their backs. There He was right in the middle of the furnace with them. And when the king had them removed from the furnace they didn’t even smell of smoke. The King was so amazed that He worshiped the One True God. (at least for a while)

Sometimes It’s Our Own Fault

There’s this problem of self-righteousness. That is, we actually think we are following God’s plan but we have been deceived by Satan. It “seems” like the right thing to do. But in truth, we are justifying our viewpoint as “the right thing” when we are actually going against God’s plan.

Consider Saul (later Paul, the great missionary). He was educated by Gamaliel, an expert in Jewish law. He knew the letter of the law and was considered a great teacher of the law. Before his conversion, He thought the members of The Way were apostates. He was commissioned to go about and arrest them or even kill them. He was at the stoning of Stephen approving the event.

It important for us to examine our hearts carefully to be sure that we have not twisted the law of God. Studying His Word daily with prayer is the most effective way to keep our focus on God’s plan and not our own ideas of what is right.

How Do Be Sure We Aren’t Self-Righteous?

Stay in the Word – Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Prayer – James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Be Careful How You Live –

Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Be Filled with The Holy Spirit – 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

Fellowship with Oher Believers (accountability) – 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

Praise God – 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Making Plans with God!

Mandy

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Mandy Farmer

Pastor’s Wife (retired) &  Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.

www.mandyandmichele.com