God provides all He promises.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the
Lord’s purpose that prevails. Psalm 19:21 NIV.
My comments today distinguish between
“Plans and Providence.”
Plans and providence differ notably. Both address the future, but their source is quite distinct. Our plans are more like projected hopes. We hope things will work out as we envision. And God encourages us to be hopeful. With hope we find direction, resolve, and strength to accomplish our plans. Plans keep us reaching and progressing, but trust and obedience to God gives us success.
Providence is so much more than plans. Providence can be explained as, “the protective care of God and His ample provision.” Any truly grateful person should shout praises to our benevolent God and Father. God’s intent is clear and unchanging.
”For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. Pause a moment and contemplate those words, “a future and a hope.” Hope without a future is unachievable; a future without hope lacks inspiration and direction.
Solomon shared a vital truth. ”In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV. Changes to your plans will occur. That should not be surprising. Learn to be flexible. The promise and truth to remember are this, “the Lord establishes your steps.” That is providence.
We struggle to protect our assumptions while we project our wishes into the future, settling into comfortable routines in the meanwhile. Short-term, things may go as you plan. When your plans differ from His providence, life does not work well. When that happens, you are left perplexed and uncertain. In those moments, remember that your life and destiny rest firmly in God’s promises and providence.
The Bible is clear and assuring, “Since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28. Keep a steady course. When your goal is to honor and glorify God with your life, your Heavenly Father responds with lavish blessings.
Your absolute best is fixed firmly in God’s heart. Jesus promised, “If you then know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him.” Matthew 7:11 NKJV. How much more indeed!
Your task is to, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these [good] things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV. “We have been given exceedingly great and precious promises.” 1Peter 1:4. Do not lose sight of the good things God promises, nor lose sight of God in those good things He provides.
My prayer for you today is to desire and receive God’s best blessings.
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