“So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men [merely human in origin], it will fail and be destroyed; but if it is of G-d [and it appears that it is], you will not be able to stop them; or else you may even be found fighting against G-d!””
Acts 5:38-39 AMP
“Man makes his plans but the Lord orders his steps” is a Proverbs I’ve referred back to time and time again when my “plans” seem to derail. (See Proverbs 16:9). Just tonight I told my daughter that the door closed before her could be G-d’s protection or provision.
The truth is, everyone has an opinion about the doors that close or the steps one might take – especially when they are close to the person or feel “vested”. They readily voice their thoughts, sometimes carelessly, about what someone should or should not do such as don’t marry this person or don’t take that job. But if we trust the Lord and we trust His plan, could we not trust Him to either close or open a door? To allow something to either fail or succeed? Could we – can we – trust G-d to speak directly to people instead of trying to make our “opinion” sound like Him?
I’m in complete support of counsel. The Bible is clear – there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 15:22). What I’m suggesting is that we actually counsel when asked and not just spout an opinion that is most likely rooted in judgment.
Opinions. Everyone has them. I don’t want to be just another opinion. Rather, what I really want is to be an echo of His voice. I want what He wants. I want to be on His side.
Nothing can stop His will. Maybe I need to sit back and stop trying to influence outcomes. Perhaps I should let things alone a little more often and trust that He knows what He’s doing. After all, He wins in the end.
Father – thank You for Your word and truth. Help me to trust You more. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Acts 4-6
November 17, 2022