What other Scriptures emphasize trusting God's timing in our plans? Anchoring Verse — Learning Flexibility from Paul (1 Corinthians 16:6) “Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I may go.” Paul openly leaves room for God’s direction. His “perhaps” attitude becomes a pattern for believers who want plans that flow with the Lord’s timetable. Scriptures That Echo the Call to Trust God’s Timing • Proverbs 16:9 — “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” • Proverbs 19:21 — “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • Psalm 31:15 — “My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.” • Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” • Habakkuk 2:3 — “For the vision awaits an appointed time… Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.” • Isaiah 40:31 — “But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength…” • Galatians 6:9 — “In due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • James 4:13-15 — “You do not even know what tomorrow will bring… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.’” • 2 Peter 3:8-9 — “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years… The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise…” • John 7:6 — “Therefore Jesus told them, ‘My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.’” Key Themes We Notice • God’s sovereignty over every detail of human scheduling. • Waiting is not wasted time; it becomes preparation and strengthening. • Patience guards us from presumption, pride, and premature action. • Flexibility keeps us open to divine redirection and greater fruitfulness. Living Out a Trusting Posture Today • Hold calendars loosely—write plans in pencil, convictions in ink. • Start decisions with prayer and Scripture, not just logic or preference. • Speak the “Lord willing” mindset naturally: “If the Lord allows, I’ll…” • Use delays to deepen worship, service, and personal growth. • Encourage others who are waiting; remind them of God’s perfect pace. |
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