God Has a Much Better Plan!

Hudson Taylor had definite convictions about how God's work should be done. We can make our best plans and try to carry them out in our own strength. Or we can make careful plans and ask God to bless them. "Yet another way of working is to begin with God; to ask His plans, and to offer ourselves to Him to carry out His purposes."  - W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, p. 243.

Do you have any big plans for the weekend? Someone, somewhere, once said that the weekend was the best part of the week. I tend to agree! For most of us, the weekend means "I'm on my own time, now!" We get to do things according to our own plan, or plans.

But, did you know that God has plans for us, too? In fact, He desires that we include His consideration in whatever plans we might have. It's all there in James 4:13-17. Of course, this doesn't mean that we can't plan anything we wish. Go ahead and plan away, just understand that God has the final word.

Once we understand what His plans are for us in a given situation, we can make our plans based on His. That's when it becomes obvious that His plan was best. No big surprise here! However, you and I being human like to make our own plans, correct? We want to make our own plans as we see fit. Even so, have you ever stopped to think that God might have a better plan?

Remember when Peter and his friends were out all night fishing, with no success? Jesus suggested that they try their luck in another spot. Peter, who was by then ready to pack up and leave, gave it another try (Luke 5:4-8). What happened? He caught more fish than he knew what to do with! He had listened to the Lord and discovered He had a better plan.

Goliath took one look at David as the little shepherd walked up to the giant. His plans were to quickly take care of this minor bump in the road, then feed his dead body to the scavengers (2 Samuel 17). What happened? A carefully placed stone to the forehead took care of Goliath, as he laid there dead in the dirt. God's plan was better!

Here's one more. In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus declared to his disciples that his time was up. Peter rebuked him, thinking he had a good plan. What happened? Jesus went to the cross, dying for all of our sins; taking care of them forever. Obviously, God had a much better plan.

The "take-away" from all of this is this: On the surface, God's plan may not seem clear to us at the time. It may not be the easiest plan; it may not even be the most popular plan, or the smartest plan. But, I tell you this with all my heart and soul; God always has the best plan in every situation. Seek His advice in all that you do.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 16:9; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 138:8; Psalm 32:8

Prayer: Dear Lord, may You always guide me in all that I do. As I go through my days, I look for Your wise instruction and counsel to help me live the best life that I can. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Shelley