Title: The Master’s Plan: Knowing What God Wants for Us
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
Man’s greatest enemy is not the devil but our self. Our will and emotions is constantly fighting against God’s plan and purpose for our lives. The three culprits are “I will, I shall, I want”. The devil having tasted first-hand the consequences of rebellion, he constantly aids man into disobedience against God, knowing we are the biggest obstacles to our victory against him (Ezekiel 28:17).
God’s plan requires our total surrender to his will and purpose. The battle rages between our personal ambition and God’s will. If you allow God’s will to prevail, we will have all our heart desires. Peter was convinced he was a fisher man, he toiled for many nights but caught nothing until he met with the Lord, who made him a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19).
Disobedience should not be mistaken for freedom and rebellion for liberty. Friction occurs when our will works against that of God. The scriptures says, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). Our myopic view causes us to make detrimental decisions to His will, forgetting He is all knowing and the Alpha and Omega. We put aside our entire ego. We know for sure that we cannot pick the best for ourselves outside God.
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him – 1 Cor. 2:9
Does God’s plan stop us from planning? Following God’s plan for our lives doesn’t stop us from planning or living life haphazardly. Jesus made the following statement
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘this person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ – Luke 14:28-30
From this scripture quoted, God expects us to plan for our lives and future. His plan should always supersede our plan in all areas (Proverbs 16:3). Jesus was aware of God’s plan. He called Peter, Satan, when he tried to derail Him (Matthew 16:23). Knowing what awaits him on His way to the cross of Calvary, he cried agonizingly, yet He submitted His will to God will in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). The scriptures say, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6), we can actively plan but be willing to surrender our plan to his will.
Prayer Points
- Father, unveil you master plan to me – Proverbs 16:3
- Father, order my steps aright – Proverbs 3:5-6
- Father, grant me a sensitive heart to your leading – Isaiah 30:21
