What steps can we take to ensure our plans align with God's will? Setting the Scene – 2 Samuel 18:9 “Absalom was riding on his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.” Seeing the Warning Absalom’s ambitious plan to seize the throne seemed clever, but it carried him straight into disaster. One moment he felt in control; the next he dangled helplessly, a vivid picture of self-directed plans colliding with the sovereign will of God. Key Takeaways for Our Own Planning • Human ingenuity cannot outrun divine sovereignty. • A plan that looks successful on paper can unravel in a heartbeat if it conflicts with God’s purposes. • God’s will ultimately prevails; wise people line up with it from the start. Steps to Keep Our Plans Aligned with God’s Will 1. Invite God at the Drawing Board • Pray first, not last (Philippians 4:6). • Acknowledge His right to overrule (James 4:13-15). 2. Measure Every Idea by Scripture • Let the Word light your path (Psalm 119:105). • Reject any goal that contradicts clear commands (Psalm 19:7-8). 3. Seek Wise, God-Fearing Counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Choose counselors who themselves submit to Scripture. 4. Examine Motives Honestly • Ask: Is this for God’s glory or my ego? • “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Proverbs 16:2). 5. Submit Plans to God Daily • Hold goals with an open hand (Psalm 37:5). • Stay flexible, ready to adjust when He redirects. 6. Prioritize Kingdom Values • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). • If the goal advances His kingdom, you’re facing the right direction. 7. Watch for Providence and Peace • Doors God opens do not require ungodly compromise (Revelation 3:8). • Internal confirmation: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). 8. Remain Obedient in the Small Things • Faithfulness today positions you for clarity tomorrow (Luke 16:10). • Absalom ignored daily obedience; the oak made that neglect public. Putting It All Together Absalom’s mule kept going; his plan stopped dead. The difference wasn’t horsepower but heart-power. When our hearts yield to God’s authority—seeking, listening, and obeying—our plans find safe passage under His guiding hand instead of hanging in the branches of self-will. |
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