The Way of God Trumps the Human Will
The Way of God Trumps Human Will by Pastor Alexander Redd
June 27, 2023
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, uncertainties, and unforeseen circumstances. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the burden of making decisions, setting goals, and longing for a sense of purpose. However, during our planning and striving, we must remember that our ultimate guide and director is the Lord Himself.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that although we may plan our course, the Lord establishes our steps. This verse encapsulates the beautiful balance between our human responsibility and God's divine intervention. It teaches us to embrace the tension of surrendering our plans to the One who holds our future.
In the context of this verse, let us reflect on the lives of some biblical characters who exemplified trust in God's guidance:
1. Abraham: When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place, Abraham obediently followed, trusting that God would establish his steps. Through Abraham's faith, God blessed him and made him the father of many nations.
2. Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and facing numerous trials, Joseph remained faithful and trusted God's leading in every circumstance. Eventually, God established his steps, elevating Joseph to a position of great authority in Egypt, which was instrumental in saving many lives during a severe famine.
3. Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul experienced a radical transformation on the road to Damascus. From that point on, he trusted in God's guidance wholeheartedly, allowing the Lord to establish his steps as he embarked on countless missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.
Drawing inspiration from these biblical examples, we can discern three key lessons for our practical Christian living today:
1. Surrendering our plans: While setting goals and making plans is important, we must hold them with open hands, surrendering them to God. Acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance allows us to align our steps with His divine purpose.
2. Trusting in God's timing: When our plans don't materialize as expected, we must remember that God's timing is perfect. He may redirect our paths, delay our desires, or present new opportunities. Trusting that He knows what is best for us enables us to remain patient and faithful.
3. Seeking God's wisdom: Instead of relying solely on our understanding, let us lean on God's wisdom by spending time in His Word and seeking His guidance through prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Listen, my friend, as we navigate the complexities of life, let us trust in the Lord's guidance, knowing that He establishes our steps. Embrace the journey with faith, surrender your plans, and seek His wisdom. Remember, despite uncertainty, God remains faithful and will lead us to His perfect will. May our lives be a testament to His loving guidance, bringing glory to His name.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our guide and establishing our steps. Help us to surrender our plans to You, trusting in Your perfect timing and wisdom. Teach us to lean not on our understanding but to seek Your guidance in all we do. May our lives reflect Your faithfulness and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray, AMEN!
June 27, 2023
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 16:9 - "The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, uncertainties, and unforeseen circumstances. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the burden of making decisions, setting goals, and longing for a sense of purpose. However, during our planning and striving, we must remember that our ultimate guide and director is the Lord Himself.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that although we may plan our course, the Lord establishes our steps. This verse encapsulates the beautiful balance between our human responsibility and God's divine intervention. It teaches us to embrace the tension of surrendering our plans to the One who holds our future.
In the context of this verse, let us reflect on the lives of some biblical characters who exemplified trust in God's guidance:
1. Abraham: When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place, Abraham obediently followed, trusting that God would establish his steps. Through Abraham's faith, God blessed him and made him the father of many nations.
2. Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and facing numerous trials, Joseph remained faithful and trusted God's leading in every circumstance. Eventually, God established his steps, elevating Joseph to a position of great authority in Egypt, which was instrumental in saving many lives during a severe famine.
3. Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul experienced a radical transformation on the road to Damascus. From that point on, he trusted in God's guidance wholeheartedly, allowing the Lord to establish his steps as he embarked on countless missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.
Drawing inspiration from these biblical examples, we can discern three key lessons for our practical Christian living today:
1. Surrendering our plans: While setting goals and making plans is important, we must hold them with open hands, surrendering them to God. Acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance allows us to align our steps with His divine purpose.
2. Trusting in God's timing: When our plans don't materialize as expected, we must remember that God's timing is perfect. He may redirect our paths, delay our desires, or present new opportunities. Trusting that He knows what is best for us enables us to remain patient and faithful.
3. Seeking God's wisdom: Instead of relying solely on our understanding, let us lean on God's wisdom by spending time in His Word and seeking His guidance through prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Listen, my friend, as we navigate the complexities of life, let us trust in the Lord's guidance, knowing that He establishes our steps. Embrace the journey with faith, surrender your plans, and seek His wisdom. Remember, despite uncertainty, God remains faithful and will lead us to His perfect will. May our lives be a testament to His loving guidance, bringing glory to His name.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our guide and establishing our steps. Help us to surrender our plans to You, trusting in Your perfect timing and wisdom. Teach us to lean not on our understanding but to seek Your guidance in all we do. May our lives reflect Your faithfulness and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray, AMEN!
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