Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man…but the outcome is in the hands of God.
Mankind wants to believe that he is the master of his own destiny…and in many ways he certainly is. It is from this very precedent that we form the hopes of our lives.
We believe that through our perseverance, patience, and faith that we can make life better. Assuredly, our lives are a direct result of the decisions that we make, the plans that we set forth, and the actions upon which we are personally engaged. Certainly, it is our perseverance in these things that without doubt causes us to possess our dreams. Man takes ownership of both his successes and failures. These are the things that we create of our own free will within the creation that God has made for mankind. The realm of man’s will…is the power of his sovereignty.
However, it is equally imperative that we recognize the sovereignty of the Hand of God. He will assuredly bring to pass his own purposes in our lives within the realm of this same creation, both physical and spiritual. Therefore, it is not so much the plan, but rather the overall outcome that God supremely dispenses his will upon. For example: We can set out to be a world class athlete, and even attain to its highest level of achievement. We can build a tremendous business that grosses millions of dollars annually. However, a man can gain the whole world, and in the end lose it all, if he cannot get a revelation of this important truth concerning God’s sovereign law and power over the ultimate outcome of his life.
Therefore, there is not one life that his power and laws do not touch, whether small or great, rich or poor. For those who know this and understand its principles, this is an actual foundation and source of great peace and joy. For although this world can be cruel and unpredictable…we know that God loves those that are his own. He protects them, gives them grace, watches out for them, restores them, justifies them, provides for them, and comforts them. So much so, that not only their plans, but also the outcome of these plans perpetuate life, peace, and happiness…both now and for many generations to come.
How marvelous it is to know that all of this happens within the confines of the gentle, loving, kind...and yes...very powerful hand of a living God!