02/21/2022
Consider now some thoughts on our planning and God’s providence.
God will hold us accountable for being wise in our decisions and planning. He will not hold us accountable for the results. The writer of Proverbs says it this way in Proverbs 19:21: There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel – that will stand.
What does this mean? It means that the power of our minds simply cannot decide which path of life or movement in decision-making will be most effective for God’s purpose in saving sinners, transforming lives, and bring glory to Him. We can in wisdom make a decision that fits our gifts, is confirmed by wise counselors, follows a pattern of circumstances, and seems to meet the greatest need and yet, in spite of all that, prove to be less than fruitful. Another path may lead to a seemingly insignificant event that could never be planned or foreseen which God uses to bring about a result that glorifies Him beyond anything the wise path would have produced.
So what does this mean in regards to our planning and decision-making? Clear and plain, our planning does not bring the last word on the fruitfulness of our lives. We do not know whether one path or the other will prove to be the path on which some amazing result may take place for the glory of God. We cannot know what God may do on any given path of faithfulness. The key is that we are faithful in trusting God and using for His glory all that He has given us [ 1 Corinthians 4:1-2]. The peace and contentment in our planning and decision-making comes with the knowledge that the effectiveness of our lives does not hang on our wisdom, but on God’s sovereignty. Isaiah 46:9 is a clear reminder: Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” Our wisdom is not what determines our influence or success in the end. God does.
Trusting God,
Pastor Tim
