On Track

Read Proverbs 19

You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 19:21

People tend to like what they can plan, maneuver, and control—hence the popularity of PDAs, reservations, and retirement packages. This proverb can be viewed as God pulling the rug out from under us. We can plan as much into the future as we would like, but nonetheless, God is going to have his own way. All our planning seems to be pointless.

It takes the right attitude to understand that this verse is consoling, not annoying. To be annoyed at God’s ultimate authority over the future is to assume that he is not looking out for our best interest. Rather, God hopes to bless his people to a higher measure than we can imagine. A better attitude regarding Proverbs 19:21 is one of relief, that no matter how we chart our own courses, God is poised to keep us on the right track. If as Christians we are sincere in our desire to see God glorified, then we will not argue when God’s purpose overrules our own.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t plan to leave God out.

Today, Lord, I admit that your purpose overrides my own. I am flexible; don’t let my desires get in the way of yours.