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Chapters 19-22 - Our plan but His Purpose
Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
We've heard this verse before. It seems as if this is an underlying theme throughout much of the Bible.
So how do we know if our decisions are from our own hearts or part of God's plan? How do we know if it is something God is really calling us to do or if it is out of our own selfish wants?
We must first understand that there are two choices to make. Follow our plan or follow HIS.
Think of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. Which one do you listen to? It may seem clear who to listen to, but don't underestimate the deceiver; he is clever. He tells us in order to succeed or be liked we must do certain things, or act in a matter that often makes us feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, these choices seem alluring and they target our heart to follow the path that is easy and feels good at the time. Only thing is... it usually lasts for a short period of time. In the end, these simple pleasures and unsettling choices can bring about guilt and shame.
Then there is the other voice. It's often subtle, calm, and gentle. While this voice isn't as easily heard, when we spend time with God and in His Word, it becomes clear the direction to take. This voice- HIS voice- may tell us to follow that passion or dream... Or He may tell our heart to wait, to let go, or that pain is coming. While your heart may not wish to go there, in the end - God always offers us hope. Hope in knowing that while we don't know how things will turn out, our God does! He sees the entire picture. He knows how it will begin and end. How your life will begin and end. And He knows the best path for you!
So, when your heart is soft and your mind is open you're going to be more receptive to what God has to say to you. When you spend time with God, you grow and understand that your life is not just about yourself, but about glorifying Him and loving others. When you spend time listening to the gentle, yet Truthful voice, you begin to see the path to take. It becomes more clear as you seek wisdom - His wisdom.
The beauty about planning your life and looking forward to what this life has in store for you is that God will lead you. While our heart can lead us astray, when we seek God's wisdom, inviting Him in, He places dreams in your heart to pursue, because He has a purpose for them. He longs to use YOU! To use you in a way to share with others who HE is. Let His plan for your life prevail.
The question is - What kind of girl do you wish to be? A girl that follows her heart or a girl that chooses to follow the purpose God has for her life?
What did you learn in this section of Proverbs?
***This week read chapters 23-26