Putting Our Plans Before God

"So David asked God, 'Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?' The Lord replied, 'Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.'" -1 Chronicle 14:10 NLT

 

Do you know the best way to plan for the future? Is there any way to ensure we're making the best decisions we can? 

When we're about to make a big decision, or any decision for that matter, it's a good idea to ask God about them. The types of decisions we make in our 20s can chart the course of the rest of our lives. Therefore, it's wise to get a heavenly perspective! 

One of the ways we can consult God about our decisions is through prayer. When David prayed to God, God answered him. But, we shouldn't assume that God answered our prayers the same way he did the first time. When David consulted God again for a subsequent battle, God told him something different. "And once again David asked God what to do. 'Do not attack them straight on,' God replied. 'Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.'" (1 Chronicles 14:14&15) This is why it is so crucial that we continue to consult our Heavenly Father in every step we take. 

Another way to put our plans before God is to put them before trusted people who know God and have walked the path we are going to take themselves. In the book of Proverbs it says, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success." (Proverbs 15:22) Do you know anyone who can speak spiritually into your life? Don't be afraid to ask for perspective from others - often this can save us danger and hardship down the road. 

Do you put your plans before God? Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Time to Pray

"But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."  Luke 5:16

There is no doubt that prayer (or talking with God) is an essential component of a believer's life.  But often we can get caught up in the demands and interruptions of life, and we may or may not spend enough time in prayer.  Truthfully, how important is prayer?  Is it a make or break situation if we don't pray?  How much time should we devote to prayer? 

The truth is, prayer is very important.  Talking with God refocuses our minds, gives us peace, and helps us hear from God on important matters that we could otherwise miss if we did not take time to talk to God, and be still and listen. I know of many successful men and women who book a time for prayer directly into their schedule, usually during the first moments of the day.  Prayer keeps us in communion with God, and keeps us in belief for the things we are hoping for. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we should pray without ceasing! 

Jesus made it a habit of praying - all of the time!  It wasn't until I read the Bible from cover to cover that I realized how much Jesus prayed: 

• "One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night." Luke 6:12 (Just before choosing the twelve disciples)
• "After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray." Matthew 14:23 (Just before Jesus walks on water)
• "After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray." Mark 6:46

"I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours." -Mark 11:24 

Is prayer a daily habit in your life?