Thursday, May 29

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

2 Samuel 14:1–15:22

John 18:1–24

Psalm 119:97–112

Proverbs 16:8,9

 

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet

                and a light for my path.

I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

                that I will follow your righteous laws.” (Psalm 119:105,106)

 

“In his heart a man plans his course,

                but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

 

 

Based on this proverb, I would like to reflect on some Biblical insight for planning in light of God’s sovereignty.

 

By “sovereignty,” I refer to God’s dominion over history, the hearts of all people, and all eternity.  God is all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful.  Nothing is too difficult for Him, and no situations is beyond His gracious hand.  This truth should provide great strength and comfort in today’s struggles, knowing that everything we face lies within the purview and concern of our loving Father.  As Hebrews 13:5 encourages us, He promises:  “Never will I leave you;/ never will I forsake you.”

 

Yet, we live in “real time,” having to work out God’s calling for our lives as His sovereign will become evident, moment by moment.  When Jesus speaks of the “talents” in Matthew 25:14–30, it appears that other scarce commodities, such as time, energy, and focus, come under the umbrella of the master’s ceding of greater responsibility to the worthy servants:  “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness.” (vv. 21,23)  Please note that, for both of the worthy servants, the master offers the exact same recognition; their starting amounts did not factor into the equation.

 

How may we dispense the time that God has given us for His glory?  How may we plan in light of God’s sovereignty?  Please find a few thoughts below:

 

1.       Principle of counting the costs.  In Luke 14:25–35, Jesus explains that the disciples must count the costs of discipleship.  In short, we must make a rational, willful commitment to the Gospel life, understanding the challenges it entails.  As we consider time-consuming projects, we must similarly understand what our commitment will look like.  Practically speaking, it is helpful to brainstorm with a calendar or timeline to understand how the pieces will fit together.

 

2.       Principle of sowing and reaping.  In Galatians 6:7–10, Paul explains:

 

“Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

 

We should expect only half-hearted support from God and others when we offer only half-hearted commitments ourselves.  True commitment involves staying true to our word, following through, being flexible to change direction as conditions change, and looking out for others’ best interests.  A holistic self-commitment to integrity and excellence will bear valuable fruit, but the results and timing remain in the hands of our sovereign and loving Father.

 

Preparation and planning save oodles of time and agita.  Pray first that God would expand and sharpen your longer-term vision.  Then, pray that He would give you a course to achieve that longer-term vision in smaller, shorter-term steps.  Then, break down those smaller, shorter-term steps into baby steps.  Then, consider the steps underlying those baby steps and chart a course for today.

 

Based on our personality types, planning may come naturally or very begrudgingly.  You will certainly have to find what works best for you.  In everything, however, please follow the wisdom of these proverbs:

 

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)

 

3.       Principle of obedience first.  God desires that we would show our full commitment to His revealed will.  By trusting His Word and walking according to it and regularly confessing our sin, we may keep the channel of God’s righteous and loving voice open.  Disobedience blocks our heart from receiving greater revelations of His will, purpose, and presence.  When handling something as precious as time, we cannot allow disobedience to stifle His gracious hand.

 

4.       Principle of inertia.  A great encouragement to action is:  “When you don’t know what to do, do something.”  Another:  “God doesn’t drive parked cars.”  By being ready for action and starting down a course, we become agents for carrying out God’s rolling revelation.

 

The Christian faith demands action, not mere mental assent.  While there is definitely space for contemplative, meditational, and prayerful time, bringing glory to God in this life involves blessing His people through love and hard work.  The “beautiful feet” of Isaiah 52:7 presumably moved around to “bring good news.”  Jesus provided an excellent example of balancing time alone with the Father and time engaged with the world.  Seek God’s wisdom for your own life in finding that balance.

 

 

Father God, thank You for Your revealed will, unfolding daily for our lives.  Help us to trust You more and to use the time with which You have blessed us so that we may bring glory to You and to bless Your people.  Strengthen our resolve to Your truth as we live each day.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

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