“‘Ah, stubborn children,’ declares the Lord,
‘who carry out a plan, but not mine,
and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit,
that they may add sin to sin;’”
– Isaiah 30:1
Are you a planner or problem solver? That’s a useful thing to be. However, be careful…. Do your best to make sure your plans are in line with God’s plans. Otherwise, you may frustrate yourself and the Lord. And you’ll certainly waste a lot of time!
The plans we get excited about aren’t always God’s plans. Many times, they’re our very human plans. Human plans are limited by what we can understand and imagine. God’s plans are rooted in His perfect and infinite knowledge and understanding. Our plans are usually focused on the very short period of time we’re able to grasp at any given moment. God’s plans are built on His perspective which transcends time.
Whenever you make a plan, or hear of a plan that sounds exciting to you, always take time to pray about it. Not merely to pray for it, asking God to give His stamp of approval to what you’ve already decided to do. Genuinely seek His heart and try to discern whether this is a plan consistent with His plan. Pray, fast, slow down, and listen for as long as it takes.
Many of us get so excited about a new plan or partnership that we struggle to slow down. We long to rush forward. We struggle to listen because we’re so excited we desperately want to talk, talk, talk. That’s how we find ourselves in the sorts of situations described in this verse… Stubbornly pursuing a plan that isn’t of God. Going deeper in a partnership that’s against His will. Missing out on the blessings of walking in God’s will. Experiencing the setbacks, failures, and temptations that come from chasing the wind.
Never forget to stop and listen for the Lord’s voice whenever you’re excited about something new. It’s much better to slow down and make sure you #FollowJesus