Instead of waiting patiently for the promises of God, Abraham followed the advice of his wife to take her servant girl. Abraham and Sarah thought they were helping God fulfill His plan, in doing so. However, what resulted was the birth of Ishmael and their house was never the same, nor our world for that matter. Jealousy, envy, bitterness, anger, and many more emotions resulted from man doing it his way. Strife and animosity, regret and shame were also present because of this choice to not wait on God and His perfect timing and plan. A rivalry between two people groups still exists to this day. This still results in wars in the middle east, all these years later. WOW!!! Did that just preach to you, as it did to me? What are the long-term effects and fall-out of your plans and choices going to have on this world, your family, your friends, even your enemies? This is serious!
Jonah had his plans, but God had another plan.
Jonah, who was an Old Testament prophet of God was told by God to go to Ninevah and preach a message of God's Judgment. However, he chose not to go to the city, because of his fear of the people and what they would do to him when he delivered this message of doom and gloom. If you studied history, you know just how ruthless the Assyrians were with their enemies, so it's easy to take Jonah's side. However, we must always be obedient to God, no matter what it looks like or what we think about the situation. What we know, that Jonah had no way of knowing, until he actually walked it out was that the people of Ninevah repented and God spared them, pouring out His mercy and grace on them. So, there never really was any true danger to Jonah, but he did not know that. For his disobedience, God sent a storm and a giant fish to redirect his path. In the end, Jonah repented of his plans and followed God's plan, thus bringing grace and truth to an entire city. Again, we see a message of the far reaching effects of our choices and obedience to God and His plans.
Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul had his plans, but God had another plan.
A Pharisee who saw it as his ordained purpose to kill Christians... Now, who could be more determined than that? If anyone was committed, it was Saul. He thought he was doing God's work by bringing judgment and death, but he was way off. In fact, he was deceived! This is why Jesus literally stopped him in his tracks. He was questioned about what he was doing and why by the Creator of Life. He was blinded for 3 days. If ever there was a story of brokenness, Paul's is it! His circumstances were beyond his own control. God had allowed a crisis to arise in his life to stop him from carrying out his plans. Jesus Himself called Saul on the carpet for questioning. This man of power and authority was arrested in his tracks. Then, he had to be led by others to a house where he began to question his life and his plans. After 3 days of fasting, he finally saw the light and repented. He was saved, baptized, and born a new man - the Apostle Paul. He wrote 2/3 of the New Testament and evangelized the world for Jesus... Long-term and far reaching effects for sure!
What about you? Are you making your own plans, or are you going by God's plan?
If you find yourself relating to one of the three stories above, then you have found yourself in good company. You see, the Bible says many are the plans in a man's (and woman's) heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. God's ways are not our ways. He sees and knows all. He has a better vantage point than we do. Purpose is higher than a plan. Purpose does not change, but plans change all the time! So, I ask you to search your heart. Are you following your own plans, or God's purpose for your life? There's a big difference. Your way will not produce even 1 thing you want; or think you want. God's way always produces all that we need. He even fulfills our heart's desire. God knows you better than you know yourself, so trust Him to have His way in your life. You won't be disappointed!
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