Everyone needs a subtle reminder from God once in a while…
Sometimes I forget many things about God…things that he expects me to remember all the time. This week, God reminded me a few things about his nature and character that I needed to hear – again!
- God’s plan for me is Plan A, not Plan B
The temptation to disregard God’s plan for me is always great, especially when I have an ‘alternative’ plan. For example, why pray for financial provision when there is a shylock next door? God, however, reminds us that his plan is best for us, because he is wiser than we are, and he knows what lies ahead.
Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (NIV)
Interestingly this verse tells us that only God can establish our steps, i.e., make sure our plans succeed. Why then would I want to make my own plans? Is it not easier to go with what God has in mind for me?
To conclude this thought:
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (NIV)
- God directs me where He needs me to go
Now that I have decided to stick with God’s plan, where do I go next? At this point, I usually have no clue what is going on! Wait a minute – if God revealed what his plan for me is, will he not direct me where to go next?
Isaiah 30:21 “Your own eyes will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.” (NLT)
God always tells us precisely where to go and what to do. Our job is to listen keenly to what he is saying. Just in case you are not too sure that his path is the best for you, however, the following verse should clear any doubts.
Psalm 32:8 ‘The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”‘ (NLT)
- God always provides what I need for the journey
Think about this for a moment – would a loving God send you on a trip without equipping you? No, he wouldn’t. Everything you need to carry out his tasks and complete the journey is available to you – just ask.
2 Corinthians 9:8a “And God will generously provide all you need.” (NLT)
How generous can God be? Is it possible to limit or measure his generosity? See what the following verse says;
Romans 8:32 “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (NLT)
Everything I need from God to help me succeed in this journey is just a prayer away. I must remember to always ask for his help when I need it. Will you?
- God will walk beside me all the way
Apart from revealing his plan for me, directing me and providing for me, God intends to walk with me on this journey. The journey of faith is not without challenges. As such, having God beside me is so comforting especially when I am in a predicament that only he can sort out. In the Old Testament, Moses asked God who he would send to accompany the Israelites as they went in search of the Promised Land. Here is what God had to say on the matter:
Exodus 33:14 ‘The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest- everything will be fine for you.”‘ (NLT)
How comforting these words were for Moses, and how reassuring they are for us! God does not just send us off into the wilderness to fumble through. He walks with us.
Hebrews 13:5b “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (NIV)
Dear friend, I invite you to remind yourself of the simple truths about God that I have shared above. Most importantly, remember that God’s thoughts about you are driven by love, a love that gave his own son to give us an eternal hope.