Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So many times, I meet with people who have great plans and wonderful ideas. They have the desire to improve their corner of the world. These dreams are much bigger than they are. Most often, if not always, these dreams are from God. Mostly, people don’t realize that God is the one who gives them the dreams. The Lord says, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” He wants to give you good things.
Many times, we work these plans as if they are our own doing. We get an idea to build a school or support facility. We do things in our own power. We struggle to make the plan come to fruition. It can be tiring and overwhelming when you try it all on your own.
Noah did not go out into the known world to capture and bring the animals to the ark. In Genesis 7:8, it tells how the animals “came to Noah and entered the ark”. Could you imagine how difficult it would have been for Noah to have to find them and then get them into the ark? Do you think Noah could have convinced the elephant to get into the boat? Noah allowed God to work all things out through God’s power rather than his own. The animals entered the ark.
What about you? Do you Fully Rely on God (F.R.O.G.) or do you try to do it on your own? Are you a self-made man or woman? Do you leave room for God to enter in to the process, the dream? Are you working in the Spiritual realm or in the secular world? All things are possible with Him who gives you strength.
Once upon a time, I used to think “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me!” That was before I realized things go much better and easier when you go God’s way. Recently, I did a 10 Year Business Plan. I prayed about the plan asking God if He really wanted me to continue in the business. What did He see as the purpose of the business? What did He want me to accomplish? How should things be done? I asked the questions and tried to be quiet and listen for answers. He told me He wanted me to “change lives”. Once I had formulated the plan and written it down, I placed it in my Bible. On a daily basis, I pulled it out after I prayed and asked God for His thoughts on what I had recorded and waited for other ideas. Sometimes, new thoughts would come and I would add them. Once the thoughts stopped coming, I realized the plan was according to God’s will and He would make it come together. It is the same with these Devotionals. As I have told you, sometimes I do not have the next idea and I sit and ask for guidance. He always comes through for He is faithful. He called me to this task and He will bring it to fruition. He will never leave nor forsake me. By the way, I could still use your prayers that words are given me.
We are told to seek first His kingdom and all the other things will come our way. You must work in the Spiritual realm allowing God to make things happen. Do you want God to bring the animals to you or do you want to go out looking for them? It is much better when God does the work. His plan and timing are perfect!
Thank you Lord that you have a great and perfect plan for our lives. I would ask that you quiet our souls so we can hear Your voice and know Your plan for us. Thank you that Your plan is always perfect. Help us to be patient and wait for Your perfect timing. For we know Your plans will prosper us! Amen!