DEVOTION – DAY 292

Proverbs 19:21 “God’s Plans Prevail”

 

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purposes that prevails.”

 

Everyone makes plans. People make plans to look for the right life partner. They make plans for their marriage. People make plans for their studies and future careers. People make business plans. People make plans to save for their children’s education. People make retirement plans. The list of plans people make are endless. But these plans are selfish plans. God is often not included in these plans. Proverbs 19:21 is a helpful reminder that teaches us that when plans are made without God in mind, and if the plans conflict with God’s plans, God’s plans will always prevail over man’s plans.

 

The Bible have many examples where God’s plans prevail over man’s plans. Joseph’s brothers planned to harm Joseph and they sold him to slave traders. But God had plans for Joseph. He raised him up instead to rescue his family and fellow Jews years later. The Pharisees plotted to crucify Jesus so that they could get rid of Jesus because they saw Him as a threat to their authority. But God raised Jesus up from the dead on the third day as proof that Jesus had conquered sin and death. And the Pharisees will face God’s eternal judgment and wrath for their actions. These are just two of many examples in the Bible.

 

Someone we know wanted to serve the Lord in Australia. He received a job offer to serve in an Australian church and with that offer, he went to apply for his visa so that he could relocate to Australia. Then, the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and the international borders were closed. Travel to Australia was stopped. This man’s application for a visa was deferred. The Australian church offer could not remain unfilled and so, the offer was eventually withdrawn. They had found someone else to take the position. This man was disappointed and he sought the Lord in prayer. The Lord redirected him to a ministry that he had not considered before. The Lord sent him to minister to people in a country that he never dreamt he would be in. Man may make plans but it is God’s plans that prevail.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are our Sovereign God. Please help us to fall in with your plans for us. Please help us to make plans that always have You at its center and to seek Your Will for us first. We humbly ask this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. How do you make plans for yourself? Do you seek God’s Will for you first, or do you make plans and ask God to approve and support your plans? Share and discuss.
  2. How have God redirected some of your plans in the past for His glory? Share.
  3. Why is it important for you to submit to God’s plans for you, and not insist on keeping to your own plans? Discuss.