It’s often very difficult for me—as an extremely ambitious go-getter NOT to push ahead of God.
The story of Abraham and Isaac is such a great reminder about the disasters that result from pushing ahead of God. God promised Abraham a son, but it didn’t happen soon enough for him so he decided to take matters into his own hands. (Sounds like something I would do!) When he was over 75 years old, God promised children to Abraham:
“Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them…So shall your offspring be.”
Genesis 15:5
Abraham waited 11 years—that’s long enough to wait right?) Well at 86, he was tired of waiting, so, at Sarah’s request he conceived Ishmael with her Egyptian slave, Hagar. Then, 25 years later, at age 100, God gave Abraham his promised son, Isaac. But the great tragedy of his earlier decision to rush God’s plan—was already unfolding and the world is still living with the horrible consequences thousands of years later! Think about how different the Middle East would be today if Abraham had not rushed God’s promise of a son! History is still recording the bloody conflict between the children of Ishmael (Arabs) and the children of Isaac (Jews).
What a sobering reminder to NEVER push ahead of God’s plan in order to get what we want—even if it involves a promise from God!!!
Looking back over my life, the biggest highlights of my life were rarely part of MY plan. Rather, they happened because I let myself be a part of God’s plan. I’m in awe of His timing and provision. I know God knows me better than I know me—and the wait to allow Him to bring his plan to fruition has not been easy. But, He is keeping me busy with His work and it is such a blessing to be in the center of His will. I’m still learning how to relax into God’s plan instead of living in frenzied state in my own hopes and dreams but—oh, He is soooo good!
God’s plans for me are always better than my own!
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
Proverbs 19:21
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