Hello there
How are you? Do you recall hearing some funny sayings as a child? I remember hearing the proverb, ‘man a plan, but God a wipe out’, neither understanding nor grasping its biblical significance. Yet, here it is, packaged as today’s Holy Nougat, and inviting us to reflection;
“No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.”
Proverbs 21:30 NLT
So does this mean that we should not waste our time making plans? I don’t think so. Should we downplay our intelligence in public? Definitely no. And what about understanding – well Proverbs already advises us that human understanding does not plumb all the depths of God or God’s plans.
What I hear instead is a caution about our treatment of others. Whether we plot evil for others or seek to belittle them on account of perceived mental prowess. For, like Haman with Esther (it’s in the latter ‘half’ of the bible story); we may discover that God has plans which are not compatible with ours. And God’s plans always work far better than ours.
But it also means that when life’s or others’ plans seem designed for our demise, we may need to see how they align to the Master plan. For, if God’s ways are not ours, nor God’s thoughts ours, then the evil we face (the tragedy that haunts us) has no dominion over God’s plans for our lives. None whatsoever!
And, as we make our plans, we invite God’s input and allow God to weigh in before considering them final. It surely makes a difference. Oh yeah! Of course, we don’t approach God as distant Other, but as One Whose expertise far outweighs our own. Years of managing us humans and problem solving on our behalf – yup, God definitely has the know-how. If only we would listen.
(And that comes from intimacy with God!)
So, after all that, we conclude,
Intimacy
Intimacy
Intimacy … with God is key!
When our relationship with God is aligned and flowing positively, we have the assurance that, come what may, our steps are ordered by God’s plans. Not others’. Nor are we overwhelmed by others’ apparent intelligence, for God grants wisdom if/when we ask. As we grow closer with God, we will understand God’s voice better (hopefully) and walk more intentionally in God’s will for our lives.
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
