The Establishment of Plans is Purpose.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV

I can’t imagine all of the plans that we have stored in our heart throughout the years. At times when life takes a total left swing, we tend to wonder how or if we can ever get back to accomplishing our plans, dreams and aspirations.  Sometimes we don’t even really stop to think about what God’s purpose is for our lives, because we get so zoned in on what we want to do.

It’s important to let life’s lessons, challenges, detours, and roadblocks remind us that we are not in control. And because we are not in control, it’s important to realize who is in Control.

The bible says, “The earth is the Lordʼs, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2 NIV

No matter where life takes you, as a child of God, remember that it is God who directs your path. The Word of God says “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his nameʼs sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:1-4 NIV.

If God is our Shepherd, then it is he who makes us, leads us, refreshes us, guides us, and even though we find ourselves in dark places, we should not fear, for our Shepherd is with us and he carries a rod and a staff. With it, he parts the waters and makes a way when there seems to be no way out. With it he leads us to the rock that flows with the water that he has stored up to sustain us. With it he protects us and we are comforted in knowing that, what he holds in his hand is two-fold.  Not only does he guide and provide for us with his staff but he also shields and fights for us with his rod.

Why does he do all these things? Because our creator did not create us without purpose. There is nothing created even by human hands without a purpose. Whether or not we understand or accept his will for our lives, everything has a plan and a purpose that was originally intended by the creator, and our creator has plans for us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.

No creator wants a failure. At the same time, every creator wants their creation to exhibit all of the unique qualities, gifts, and talents, that they possess within them. Why? Because the creation is actually an image or reflection of the imagination, creativeness, and mindset of the Creator.

So does this mean that our plans don’t matter? The bible says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV

What the scripture is saying, is that without God you cannot establish your purpose. The establishment of Plans is Purpose. Plans are your design, your make up, your build, your intention. Purpose is the establishment of your plans and the reason of your existence.

When we understand that a creation is birthed OUT of the creator then we begin to understand that our plans are his plans. Because “… God created mankind in his own image” (Genesis 1:27 NIV), the image of God is not as we see others, the bible says “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV. And that’s how he communicates with us (in our hearts), through what connects us with him (the spirit).

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for Godʼs people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:27–30 NIV.  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand, when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:13-18 NIV. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5 NIV. How awesome it is to know that not only were we with God before we were created but that we were still with him when we were born.

And that’s why we need our Shepherd; so that our plans may be established for his purpose as only his purpose prevails. Because we do not see things clearly, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV.

Be Blessed.

G.M.