Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 16 (day four)
“For I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.” (16:1) Israel thought it was their idea to have a king. There was surely a plan for succession to the throne. Where Israel thought they were in charge, we discover God’s fingerprints are already there. Where was Jesse from? Verse 1 tells us he was from Bethlehem. Coincidence? Fast forward over 1000 years…Joseph and Mary are going to Bethlehem to register for taxes. This long, treacherous trip was because Joseph was of the house and linage of David. God has had a plan for all of time! He is sovereign…He is unchanging…He is omnipotent…He is all-knowing. What an amazing, loving God we serve!
Why is it that we try to take control of the events of our lives? Do we honestly believe that our plan is better? If we look closely, we will discover God’s fingerprints are already there. If we listen carefully, we will hear His Spirit guiding our steps.
I am sure we all have plans for our lives, including our plans for work, retirement and at our death. There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future or fulfilling our purposes, goals or dreams. We just need to be realistic about our goals and how we go about achieving our goals. To be fully successful, our purposes, goals, or dreams must be in harmony with God’s plan; and our plans must be part of God’s will and plan for us.
Our plans and dreams may change overtime in responding to the internal and external environment and as we are closer to God. When we follow after God, His Word will become our guide in every step and all the way. God’s Word will guide our thoughts and operations. We are likely to succeed in achieving our purposes, goals and dreams when they are in alignment with God’s plan and God’s will.
I believe God has a master plan for mankind and for each of us. Our plans must be a subset of His master plan. God must be pleased and satisfied with our plans as without our plans that are in alignment with His, His master plan cannot be fulfilled. We need God for salvation and for eternal life and it makes perfect sense for believers to follow Him, to have good knowledge of His master plan, to support, and to fulfill God’s will and God’s plan so we all can rejoice in eternity.
Planning is an essential part of work and life and how we achieve our plan matters. Do we follow God’s ways or Satan’s ways to execute our plans? Do you include God in your planning session(s)? Do you ask God to bless your plans and for His guidance along the way, especially during execution and evaluation phase? Our plans cannot be independent from God but must be a subset of God’s master plan if we want to succeed. I am convinced!