What steps can we take to align our plans with God's purposes? Text Snapshot “Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, ‘To whom does the land belong? Make a covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel to you.’” (2 Samuel 3:12) Setting the Scene • David is God’s anointed king, yet the kingdom is divided. • Abner, once opposed to David, realizes God’s hand is on David’s reign. • By proposing a covenant, Abner shifts his plans to serve the purpose God has already declared. Why Alignment Matters • God’s purposes stand firm (Proverbs 19:21). • Our plans flourish only when they harmonize with His will (Psalm 33:11). • Abner’s pivot shows the blessing of moving from self-driven ambition to God-directed cooperation. Five Practical Steps for Today 1. Submit to God’s Revealed Authority – Abner acknowledged David’s rightful throne. – Today, we acknowledge Christ as King (Colossians 1:18). – Step: Lay every decision before Christ’s lordship. 2. Seek Covenant, Not Convenience – Abner asked for a binding agreement, not a casual alliance. – Jesus calls us to a covenant life (Luke 22:20). – Step: Commit your goals to God, not merely consult Him when in trouble (Proverbs 16:3). 3. Engage God’s Bigger Story – Abner’s shift unlocked unity for Israel. – Our choices fit into God’s redemptive narrative (Ephesians 2:10). – Step: Ask how each plan serves God’s mission, not just personal gain. 4. Act in Faith-Fueled Obedience – Abner didn’t just think differently; he sent messengers and took action. – Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). – Step: Translate convictions into clear, obedient steps. 5. Rely on God’s Power for Fulfillment – Abner promised, “my hand will be with you to bring all Israel.” – God empowers what He ordains (1 Thessalonians 5:24). – Step: Pray expectantly, work diligently, trust God’s strength (Philippians 2:13). Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • James 4:13-15 — Plan humbly, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” • Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Living It Out • Review current goals; place them under Christ’s rule. • Formulate a written “covenant” statement: “Lord, these plans belong to You.” • Evaluate each opportunity: Does it advance God’s kingdom agenda? • Move forward with obedient action, leaning on His enabling grace. Conclusion: Embracing God’s Agenda Like Abner, we may need a decisive pivot—away from self-crafted ambitions and toward wholehearted partnership with God’s purposes. When we submit, covenant, engage, act, and rely on His power, our plans become conduits for His glory and our lasting good. |
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