There’s a Jamaican proverb, Man a plan, God a wipe out, that speaks to the futility of making plans without God’s input. I suspect it is adapted from Today’s Holy Nougat.
Psalms 33:10 NIV
[10] The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
Of Plans and Purposes
On the surface one might say that it isn’t worthwhile to make plans, because God doesn’t want folks to prosper. Having seen the devastating impact of hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean, I can definitely appreciate the sentiment. Luke 12:13-21, the parable of the rich fool, seems to confirm that premise. As the rich man prepared for expansion, God was preparing for his death long before he could capitalise on the plans. The danger in the sentiment however, is that we run the risk of seeing God as a whimsical deity who enjoys wreaking havoc on God’s creation.
Self Check
To what extent do our actions and our words suggest that we believe God is capricious?
Application
From my perspective, God is neither whimsical nor accidental. Neither is God spiteful nor vengeful. Often we see what presents as the corollary: persons who make plans without God’s input are clearly flourishing; while others who invite God into their plans face failure. Usually, situations such as those baffle us, as it seems as though God doesn’t care about us.
The story of Job suggests another possibility. That God’s ways aren’t our ways. Job was as faithful as faithful can be. Yet, God permitted Job’s faith to be tested severely as calamity after calamity struck, sending shockwaves through the community and devastation to all that bore his name. Job’s laments tell us that it was not part of Job’s plan. The final chapter of Job adds details to the tapestry of his life that no one saw coming: everything was restored multifold – property, stock, resources, family. Some would say that the latter was greater than his former life. It was God Who ordered Job’s steps.
What is it that we face individually or collectively today? We look to the Author and Finisher of our faith in the full assurance that whatever we plan with God will come to fruition.
Which nation is facing the impact of plans that are gone awry?
Where are people threatened by injustice or by capricious leaders?
Which are the nations that submit their plans to God?
Do we see them prospering as per God’s definition, and are the people souled out to God?
Regardless of where our nation currently stands, may we be counted among those who are souled out and yielded to God.
Prayer Points:
Pray for
- Nations needing God’s guidance as they move forward
- The cessation of hostilities that result in civil wars or ongoing unrest
- Wisdom, to discern God’s plan for the body of Christ in these times
- Obedience, so that we are aligned individually and collectively to God’s plans for us
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May all we seek be found in Christ
