Here is something to think about:
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21
Why do I find it so hard to accept this? Why do I find it so hard to realize that my plans are not always the best for me? In fact, I wrote the following in my Moleskine: My plans and God’s purposes may be are often at odds. I taught last night at Adult Bible Study from Esther 6 about the silence of God. I talked about the transcendence of God. Fancy word for “God lives and moves outside the realm of earthly time-beyond the ticking of our clocks-beyond the turning of our calendars. God has no night. No day. No month. No year. No past, present or future.” Do I understand that? Not in a million years but I accept it. Why then do I have so much trouble with my plans vs. the purpose of God?
Any ideas you want to share? I would like to hear from you if you get a hankering to speak up.
I think it all depends on the way one comprehends the stated Proverb. The “plans” of man could be questionable as to being right or wrong. The “purpose” of our Lord in my mind is Rightiousness. (anything right, good and positive) If our plans are made in the light and guidance of our Lord, then our plans will come to fruition. Evil plans and wrongdoings will not stand or prevail. We bare these ‘burdens’ in life because we are mere humans.
“Man shall obey the laws of the land”,,,,,,to me, I think it is meant as “Mother Nature”, not man-made laws and rules and regulations. (maybe we shouldn’t have built those dams) People interpret things differently. I believe when we struggle with our thoughts, it is that ‘battle’ inside our heads between good and evil. We need to slow down and re-think our plans to be certain they can be ‘varified’ with our Lord.
Bill, your thinking is not beyond comprehension. There is nothing weird and abnormal going on. Our Lord is ‘speaking’ thru you (as a messenger), on this particular subject at this time,,,,because it is needed. You have ALWAYS given me ‘messages’ (life questions) to ponder and learn from. To me, that’s the “purpose” of our Pastors. I know in my heart that all is fine with you, so don’t go beatin’ yourself up inside. What “plans” are not the best for you?
Johnny: thanks for your comments. I may not have expressed myself adequately. I am referring to those time when my timing is not God’s timing. I have to wait for an answer when I think I already know the best way. In Esther, Mordecai was not rewarded for an act of bravery when he was supposed to be. He didn’t complain and mope about it. However, when it fit God’s purpose, the king was reminded of his failure to reward M. It ultimately led to the salvation of the Jews. That is what I meant. We struggle with silence and waiting and not hearing from God. I wrote this post as a “thinking out loud” post. But glad you responded. Your thoughts fit well what Joseph told his brothers: “you meant it for evil but God meant it for good.” Thanks for stopping by.