Your Thoughts and Plans Are Not God’s Thoughts and Plans

We all make plans and have thoughts about our future. Sometimes these plans come to fruition, and other times they fall apart. Then, we realize our projects are not always aligned with God’s. Indeed, as Isaiah 55:8-9 so aptly puts it:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Reflection

The Sovereignty of God

God is sovereign and omniscient. He sees the whole picture while we only see a fragment. Our thoughts are limited by our humanity, but God’s thoughts transcend time and space. His wisdom is infinite, and His plans are perfect. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us:

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

The Importance of Submission

We must submit our plans to God, seeking His direction and will. James 4:13-15 exhorts us not to presume about tomorrow but to say:

“If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

Submitting our plans to God also means accepting that His plans may differ from ours and that His ways are always the best, even if we don’t understand them immediately.

Faith in the Unknown

Faith is crucial when our plans fail or take an unexpected turn. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as:

“the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Having faith in God means believing that even when our projects fail, He has a better plan in store for us.

Biblical Example: Joseph

A poignant example of this principle is the story of Joseph in the Bible. His brothers sold him into slavery, and he was wrongfully imprisoned. Yet, God had a grand plan for him. Joseph was eventually elevated to the position of prime minister of Egypt, saving many lives during the famine. He recognized God’s hand in his trials and said to his brothers:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

Practical Application

1. Prayer and Submission: Pray for God’s guidance in your projects. Ask Him to reveal His will and be ready to follow His direction.
2. Study of Scripture: Spend time in God’s word to understand His promises and plans for your life.
3. Trust in God: Even when things don’t go as planned, trust in God. Remember that His plans are for your good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Conclusion

God’s thoughts and plans for us are always better than our own. They may not always be clear or easy, but they are always for our ultimate good. Let us learn to submit our plans to God, trust Him, and believe that His ways are perfect.

May this devotion encourage you to seek God’s will in all your projects and to trust Him, even when things don’t go as planned. May God bless you abundantly as you walk in His ways. Amen.