How Can I Know that My Plans Are From God?
CONVERSATIONS:
The new year is just around the corner, and since it is yearend, many of us are gearing up for 2017 by evaluating the past year and setting our goals for the new one coming. While the new year naturally gives us a great opportunity for new beginnings, we can be beside ourselves in excitement in setting our sights on our goals. Off the top of your head, what are some of the things you are looking forward to achieving this coming year?
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But we would not want to just make any plan. We would want to pursue God's plans and purposes in our lives, because "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Prov. 19:21 NIV) Are there plans you are still uncertain of at this point and would like to subject to the Lord's (approval)? What are they?
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If so, subject them to the keys mentioned in the video to be able to know if these plans are from God. To recap, consider your plans prayerfully as you subject each to the criteria of:
1. Righteousness. Paul prayed for the Philippians that they would be able to abound more in knowledge and depth of insight, and be able to discern what is best and pure and blameless and be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ. (Phil. 1:9-11). Where is the righteousness of God in this plan?
2. Peace. The Bible says that the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7) when we come to God in prayer. Does this plan create peace in yourself and in others?
3. Joy. Does this plan produce joy in your heart and in those of others?
4. Agreement. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." What does your spouse say about this plan? What do your discipler, accountability partners, pastors and/or other Christian leaders, and truest friends think about this plan?
After subjecting your plans through these criteria, where do you believe you should be heading with your goals?
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Continue to pray for God's direction in your life for 2017 and be watchful for God's leading upon you in the next coming days. May you have a God-led and blessed 2017!
Let's pray:
Father, thank You for the new beginnings that a new year affords. And yet, Lord, go before us. Make Your plans our plans. Incline our hearts to You as we look at the new year and plan for it. Enable us to hear You as we look at Your word, pray, and even subject our desires, plans and goals for the new year through the grid of righteousness, peace, joy, and agreement. And may our plans redound to Your glory. In Jesus name, amen.
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