How does Acts 18:21 connect with Proverbs 16:9 about planning and God's will? Setting the Scene in Acts 18 • Paul is wrapping up a fruitful stay in Corinth and briefly stopping in Ephesus. • Acts 18:21: “but as he left, he said, ‘I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you if God is willing.’ And he set sail from Ephesus.” • Two things stand out: Paul has a concrete plan (attend the feast, return to Ephesus) and an explicit submission—“if God is willing.” The Thread to Proverbs 16:9 • Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • The proverb affirms human planning and divine sovereignty in one sentence; Acts 18:21 shows Paul living that truth in real time. • Paul’s heart plans the course (Jerusalem, then back to Ephesus); the Lord alone decides whether the journey actually unfolds as intended. Paul’s Model of Planning 1. He plans diligently. – “I must by all means keep this coming feast” (Acts 18:21). No passivity or fatalism. 2. He plans submissively. – “If God is willing.” Paul knows the Lord’s final word overrides his itinerary (cf. James 4:13-15). 3. He trusts the literal reliability of God’s promises, confident that the Lord’s guidance never errs (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 3:5-6). Key Principles About Planning and God’s Will • Intentional planning is biblical. Nehemiah drafts blueprints; Joseph stockpiles grain; Paul sets ministry schedules. • Humble surrender is essential. “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21). • God’s sovereignty directs every detail—even changed or delayed plans serve His unwavering purpose (Romans 8:28). • Our plans must remain flexible so the Spirit can redirect without resistance (Acts 16:6-10). Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Dream, strategize, set goals—then consciously hand them back to the Lord: “If You are willing.” • Hold timelines loosely; hold obedience firmly. When God shifts the route, follow without grumbling. • Gauge success by faithfulness, not by whether every plan comes off exactly as sketched. • Recognize divine redirection as protection and preparation, never as accident or failure (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10). Additional Scripture Connections • James 4:13-15—calls believers to the same “Lord willing” posture modeled by Paul. • Psalm 33:11—“The counsel of the LORD stands forever.” • Isaiah 30:21—God promises to whisper course corrections: “This is the way; walk in it.” Acts 18:21 and Proverbs 16:9 together paint a balanced picture: plan ambitiously, but anchor every plan in the certainty that God alone determines each step—and His way is always best. |
    |