Many years ago, my wife and I felt that God was moving us out of our comfort zone to ignite a new work within an established ministry. When we met with the ministry’s leadership, however, our plans were rejected. In essence, they said our vision was good, but our timing wasn’t. We were disappointed and asked God, “Why?”
A short time later, we discovered that I had cancer. Extensive treatment was required. If we had been working out our plans for the ministry, my medical issues would have made for a difficult situation for all concerned. What’s more, our vision for the ministry did come to fruition many years later—not by our hands, but by God using others to work out His plans in His time.
King David wanted to build a house for God (1 Chronicles 17:1). His intentions were good, but God had a better plan. He told David through the prophet Nathan, “You are not the one to build a house for me to live in” (1 Chronicles 17:4). He then told the king that one of His sons (later it was revealed to be Solomon, see 1 Chronicles 22:6) would build God’s house, or temple. God also told David that He was establishing more than a house for him—He was going to create from him a dynasty of kings! (1 Chronicles 17:10).
Accepting God’s revealed plan over his own plans, David began making preparations for Solomon to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:5). He then said to his son, “May the Lord be with you and give you success as you follow [God’s] directions in building the temple of the Lord your God” (1 Chronicles 22:11).
When God allows our plans to be altered and even squashed, how do we react? Do we respond with anger and self-pity? Or with humility and quiet confidence that God is working out what is best for us? (Jeremiah 29:11).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 5:17-42
More:
Read Isaiah 55:8-9 and see how God describes the difference between His plans and our plans.
Next:
What plans do you need to place in God’s hands—allowing Him to reveal what’s best? Why do we sometimes cling to our own plans too tightly?
ehdlive on October 14, 2013 at 1:32 am
GOD is so awesome in specifically revealing His plans, purposes, and directions for each of His children. These might not be acceptable at the first glance, but GOD in His faithfulness, will ultimately make known to us the big picture (Isa. 55:8,9).
tom felten on October 14, 2013 at 8:25 am
You’re right, ehdlive. In our limited human reasoning and understanding, we can sometimes be confused by what God allows in our lives. During those times it’s vital that we remember the good things God has done in the past and to cling to His wisdom, not our own.
austin on October 14, 2013 at 8:35 am
The first paragraph is interesting to me. The author and his wife felt that God was moving them to do something, however they learned that He wasn’t. So what made them think God was moving them? And what made them think that He wasn’t?
I struggle with people saying that God is “moving” anyone to do anything. Lots of people have said that about a number of things that clearly have nothing to do with what God would want. It seems like a lot of the time people are just having a psychological experience and chalking it up to God.
tom felten on October 14, 2013 at 9:00 am
Thanks for the comments, Austin. God uses His Word, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the counsel of others, and circumstances to provide direction for our lives. All of these pointed to “go,” but in God’s perfect wisdom the final answer for us was “no.” I’m so grateful for His sovereign ways and loving guidance in my life.
GChoo on October 14, 2013 at 12:03 pm
It’s never easy to believe in something when we do not see or experience it for ourselves, even when others shared their own experiences of how real this one true God is to them. We have our doubts – i was like that too.
So, how can we ever believe in this invisible God, written in the Bible? There are many ways especially one when we are in dangerous situations and finally calling out to the one true God. But for sure, i do not wish for anyone to be in that kind of situations. The easiest way is to take that step of faith is to truly believe and experience for ourselves. By taking Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and Lord, reading His Word and living out His teachings will we be able to experience that He is real, the Creator of everything in this world and the universe and all things good.
Our God is real and All Powerful, His Word (Sword of the Spirit) Ephesians 6:10-18 in the Bible is powerful because it is from Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That was my experience but it is up to others to believe. His Word helped me to ward off evil spirit when i least expected to happen to me in a hotel room while on a working trip overseas. There are other experiences as well but this is by far a terrifying experience. We are so human, there are times when we doubt the true existence of God even as a christian, but when we persist in keeping close to Him, God will never fail us. Yes, truly with Isaiah 55:8-9, because it is God’s Word.
tom felten on October 14, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Good thoughts, GChoo. Yes, it’s vital that we look to God’s Word as we seek to honor Him with our decisions.
gillian on October 14, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Thank you so much for this timely reminder that everything which happens to us is in God’s time. My husband and I were discussing after reading this devotional, how often we may pray for and eagerly want / desire something and then be disappointed / upset when it does not happen. However, some time later one realises what actually happened was absolutely right for us.
Today, it really struck me how we have the perfect example of how to pray from Jesus who in the Garden of Gethsemane committed himself in total faithfulness and obedience to his Father, by asking that His will be done in absolutely every aspect of Jesus’ life.
A very popular modern hymn in the United Kingdom is,” In Christ Alone”. In the last verse, it has the tremendous words, “From Life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.” This is what we need to hold onto every moment of each day.
tom felten on October 14, 2013 at 2:04 pm
gillian, yes, Jesus praying that the Father’s will be done—not His own—is the perfect example for us! May God be glorified as we submit to His perfect will. Love that line from “In Christ Alone”—Jesus does command our destiny. Thanks again for posting a comment!
roxanne robbins on October 14, 2013 at 5:58 pm
“We can make our plans” (advisably after we’ve sought wise counsel, prayed and turned to Scripture) “but the LORD determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)