Have you ever mistakenly assumed that you are totally in charge of your own life? God created us to be choice-makers, and we have certainly made our fair share of bad choices. He grants us free will--the ability to determine what we’re going to do at the crossroads of life. At the same time, however, He reserves the right to direct the course of human history as He wills. His sovereignty is never impugned by our choices.
Solomon said that a man plans his pathway in life, but then God directs the steps he actually takes. When I was a teenager, preaching was the furthest ambition from my mind. I would never have dreamed of being a pastor. I had plans of my own and they did not involve leading a church. But at some point, God began to change the direction of my heart so that I responded and desired to do the very thing He was calling me to do – preach. He placed people in my path that directed me toward ministry. I can look back now and see His guiding hand bringing me every step of the way to where I am now.
Have your plans matched God’s? It’s great to have a plan. It’s wise to think about the future and to get ready for the best and/or the worst, but remember that our plans are always subject to change depending on God’s plans. Go ahead and devise your way, but let God direct your steps today.
