My Plan will take Place

​One of the hardest things about being human is the reality of the unfinished and the certainty of the unknown.  For example, no matter what plan we devise, truthfully, we do not know what the outcome will be. Steve excitedly began a new job only to be let go eight months later. Shaq thought he would spend his life in poverty and inherited a fortune from a rich relative who died. Sally trained for a sporting event she hoped to win then suffered planter fasciitis. Ralph counted on finances being strong for his growing family when inflation took off. Raquel bought a ticket for a cruise now cancelled by travel restrictions. Kim thought her marriage would last until death but Joe divorced her. Rob and Shelly bought a bigger house to store their antiques and a tornado destroyed it. ​

Wealthy Job experienced Satan’s power and in disaster’s aftermath declared, “My days have slipped by; my plans have been ruined, even the things dear to my heart” (Job 17:11).  The psalmist warned his readers not to trust in man, “When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die” (Psalm 146:4). There is no guaranteed man-made strategy.

Does this mean we should forego plan making?  Not at all. According to Scripture, “The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit . . .” (Proverbs 21:5). Planning is wise and often reveals thoughtfulness. “Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved” (Pro. 16:3) is an encouraging proposition. The key is not to put our hopes in our plans but rather in our Father’s plan. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps” (Pro. 16:9). 
 
Meditation
Isaiah 46:10--I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will.
 
Only God has guaranteed plans.  Only God can declare the ending and know from before what will be after. His plans will be fully fulfilled.  Therefore we should:  
1.    Study Scripture to understand His will and revealed plans.  
2.    Strive to live in alignment with the leading of the Holy Spirit. 
3.    Stop worrying.  Memorize Philippians 4:6,7.        
4.   Strengthen our faith upward when life seems frustrating and what we think should happen is not happening.  He is in control we are not.   His plan will take place.
5.    Stay joyful.  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Pro. 17:22).  Joy comes from knowing that God’s accomplishment is our abundance.
  
Inspiration
The people who brush prayer aside . . . forget that many of the things we would do would be different if we prayed first for God’s plan, rather than asked for His blessing on ours.—W.E. Sangster in Daily Readings
 
©2022 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)