Friday, October 26, 2012

The Plan


John 19:11
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

Proverbs 21:29-31

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

29 A wicked man puts up a bold front,
    but an upright man gives thought to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.

As I read these verses I had to think of the upcoming Presidential election here in the United States of America.  But it can also apply to anywhere in this world whether you have elections or your government is appointed for you.  It can be valid in our churches whether we are democratically run or elder run.  The point in this lesson is very clear, God is in control but that doesn’t mean our actions are always His will.

Although we may be able to point out a wise man from a wicked man by his mannerisms, there is one thing we know for sure, it is God who gives the wisdom, who gives the insight, and who makes the ultimate plan.  As I think about this I have to think about myself and how that applies to me. 

I can look back on my life and contemplate what would have happened, “if . . .”  but it doesn’t change one thing.  I can wonder why I made the decisions I made, but it doesn’t change those decisions.  I can rest assured that no plan I made for myself, no wisdom I have gained, no insight that I have had, has ever been by my own power.  No matter what, God is in control, He is the One who is preparing us for what lies ahead.  Jesus knew the plan, He had the power to make any changes to that plan that He wanted but He chose to stick to the plan that brought victory.

The Pharisees had their plan as well.  From the beginning of Jesus ministry, when they saw that their power was being overpowered, they began to plot against Jesus.  Jesus knew their hearts before He ever came to this earth. He knew their wicked ways before they ever became wicked.  He knew their plans before they did and He prevailed.
Today as we contemplate the best man for the job as President.  As we listen to their debates and the debates of the people that support them, we need to remember to choose the one that we believe is the wisest.  We need to choose the one that we believe is not putting up a bold front.  Then, we need to pray for that person, that he will be guided by the Lord our Savior and will guide our country as a facilitator not a ruler.  That he won’t fall into the trap as the Pharisees of the power of being in leadership but that the person elected will submit to God and would lead in the ways of our Father.  We need to pray that he will remember that God is in control and our country is only here because of the One who created it, who created us. 

As you seek Him, look at how He has had the power in your life, let Him know that you are thankful that He is in control.  Ask for wisdom, discernment, and an accepting heart to His will.  Jesus knew the plan and He followed the plan even though it led Him to the cross.

Seeking Him with all my heart,
Sheila

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