Plans Fizzle

How many times do we make plans and they don’t work out as we thought? This happens to me all the time. I am a great idea guy but the follow through is weak. While I am just one person, we can see the same thing happen on a national and global level. Governments come up with grand plans and make big announcements. But when the execution of these plans come up against opposition or obstacles, the best plans can come undone.

Psalm 33:10-11 says, “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” Our plans change like the winds, but God’s plans never change. His wisdom remains true forever. You do well to seek and follow the Lord’s plans and wisdom.

Never Changes

My opinions can change over time and most have. Relationships change over time and may become more or less intimate. Laws change, politics change, social norms change, fashion changes, and the economic environment certainly changes. But God never changes. He has no need or desire to change, as He is, was, and always will be perfect.

Psalm 32:10 says, “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.” God offers His steadfast love to anyone who trusts in Him. We can be assured of His love for us, because He doesn’t change and cannot be moved away from us. This is another blessing from God that we should share with others; love that never changes.

Friends Versus Companions

Because I am socially awkward, I have never made a lot of friends. However, I have always had a close group of a select number of friends. I could count on these close friends for encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and love.

Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Be kind and loving to all people, but don’t make it a goal to have a large multitude of companions. Rather find a select group of close friends and be a good friend to them. And remember that Jesus is your friend and promises to never leave you, but will always be with you to help you.

The Lord Is Patient

I have noticed that I am more likely to extend a kindness to another person when I have recently received kindness or I have received kindness from the same person to whom I am extending kindness. I am appalled that I am so selfish and unkind.

Matthew 18:26 says, “So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'” This servant begged the king for mercy and patience in order to repay his debt. But the servant cruelly demanded immediate repayment of debts owed to him. Because the Lord is patient and merciful with us, we should be patient and merciful with those who may wrong us. Fortunately, He will give us the mercy and patience we need so that we can give mercy and patience to others.

Fear Limits Power

Have you ever been faced with trying something new but you let your fears keep you from doing it? When we do that, we limit what we can do and what can be done through us.

Exodus 9:16 says, “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” God wants to demonstrate His power to you and through you to the world. Don’t let your fears limit His demonstration of power.