Are there some doors that you have knocked on, and no matter how hard you’ve knocked they’ve just not opened?
Yesterday, as I was going through my devotion, I came across a passage of scripture, opened my Bible to the place, and then shortly after as I was scrolling social media, the same exact scripture appeared. While I had paid attention the first time, seeing it again so prominently, I knew I needed to pay closer attention.
Proverbs 19:21 states “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord‘s purpose that prevails.“
Jamaicans have a saying, that I’m just realizing that is based on this particular scripture. It states, “man a plan, God a wipe.”
Often times as humans, we make plans without ever consulting God. I know I’m very guilty of this. As Jamaican say ‘we plan, and God erases those plans’.
Unfortunately, that does not always take away the consequences that come with doing the things that we never consulted with God on. While He will redirect our path when we get on the wrong path, they often come with consequences for us to learn from.
Just like any good parent, we have good plans for our children. We can direct them, but they will not always take our advice or they may think they know better. Sometimes or vantage point is different because we have experienced more things, than our children’s limited perspective. However, as I am now raising a teenager, who seems to know it all, I can share my insights, but I’m also teaching her to make wise decisions and in the process of teaching and learning, sometimes consequences will follow.
I came across another verse this morning. Proverbs 16:3 states, “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Unlike Proverbs 19:21, this verse is reminding us that when we commit our plans to God, He will be the one to direct us.
Which then reminds me of Proverbs 3:5-6, which states, “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.“
Friends, I know how difficult it can be to surrender all your plans and desires to God, however, I have learned that He is a faithful God and when you put your trust in him that He will make your path straight.
Sometimes it will look like provision and answered prayers, and other times it will look like peace in the midst of chaos.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for directing us, teach us to follow where you lead, even when the path is uncomfortable or unknown to us. Help us to hold your hand and trust you more each day.