(Prov 21:30 ERV) There is no one wise enough to make a plan that can succeed if the LORD is against it.
This morning we continue our series entitled “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” If you have been following series for any length of time you know that Solomon was an advocate of planning, but he also drove home the importance of understanding God’s sovereignty.
In chapter 16 Solomon said, “We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word” (v.1) and “In your heart you plan your life. But the LORD decides where your steps will take you” (v.9). In chapter 19 he said, “A man may have many plans in his heart. But the LORD’s purpose wins out in the end” (v.21). And in the last chapter Solomon said, “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?” (20:24). These verses (and there are many others) speak to the sovereignty of God, but there are no shortage of scriptures that remind us of our responsibility to plan and to follow through with those plans. There is definitely a balance because when you focus on God’s sovereignty alone it sounds like the Bible is teaching us that we are simply puppets and God Almighty is the grand puppeteer. However, you and I know that that would not be congruent with the rest of scripture. So what we are left with is this dual aspect—God and man, man and God—to our lives. If we didn’t have a say in the matter, then why pray? Why plan? Why petition anything of the Lord or bring anything before the Lord is He is simply going to do what He wants to do anyway? You and I both know—from the Word, life, and experience—that God has a part and we have a part. Yes, God is sovereign, but He has also given us the ability to make our own decisions and the right to reap the harvest of them. In other words, God’s sovereignty does not alleviate us of the weight of our decisions, but rather adds on us the additional task of seeking God’s will and of aligning our decisions with it.
One of the dangers of getting a great education or of being exceptionally bright is relying too heavily on that intelligence or education and leaving God OUT of the planning process. The Good News Bible paraphrase of this verse reads: “Human wisdom, brilliance, insight—they are of no help if the LORD is against you.”
Here is another danger – thinking that so called “faith” can actually force God to do something. Many misunderstand faith, especially in today’s society, and they think that they can make a confession, or repeat a scripture, or write a check to force God’s hand. NO! Faith is about agreeing with God, not forcing God. To agree with God you must first know His will. When you know what He wants to do in your life, you can then agree with God, in faith, that the thing (whatever it is) will come to pass, no matter the opposition. But if you don’t seek Him first, then He is not obligated to bless whatever you come up with!
So what does this mean to you today? It means that instead of asking God to bless what you are doing, you should first find out what He is blessing and then DO THAT – there is a big difference between the two. Once you have what you believe is His direction, then yes, step out in faith knowing that no one, regardless of their earthly position or power, can stand against the LORD!
Closing Confession: Father, You sit on the circle of the earth. You are infinite, eternal, and completely sovereign. It is Your sovereign wisdom that I seek. I know that You will allow me to reap whatever I sow, so therefore I want to make sound decisions; decisions that line up with Your Word and will for my life. As You reveal to me Your purposes for my life, I declare by faith, that I will line up my plans with them. Life is much easier, and more enjoyable, when I cooperate with You and Your plans for my life. With that in mind, I will make sure that my plans support Your plans! I am excited about today, this year, and the rest of my life, because I know I will be walking with You and You will be walking with me! Together, we shall make a difference, because no one can stand against me when You are on my side! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
