We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
We have our ideas and then we plan to make it happen.
But this verse says that the Lord determines our actual steps. What we actually do.
Have you ever had an idea, made a plan, were super excited about it – and then you didn’t execute? Nothing happened, and a week later you moved on from the idea?
I have – many times. And I think it’s a lack of discipline due to laziness or fear of failure.
But this verse makes me think that the Lord might have been a part of this?
I don’t know.
God doesn’t make me lazy – I do that completely on my own. But what if God uses that to direct me to what He wants me to work on?
“Directs” looks like the Hebrew (I think), “kûn” which according to Blue Letter Bible.org means:
כּוּן kûwn, koon; a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous):—certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, × very deed.
To establish, fix, prepare, apply – confirm, fasten firm.
To establish – or to resolve to do might be an accurate way to interpret what “Direct” means. Other translations render it “establish”.
But the Lord establishes our steps.
In my life I think that appears when I have an idea, I make a plan, and then start taking steps doing it and I get mini confirmations that I’m on the right path. My steps become more sure and I’m ready for the next step.
Another piece of evidence it may be the Lord is because I’m actually taking action.
Seeking the Lord and asking for Him to form my ideas is the best place to start I think. Because then the ideas are from Him, make the plans, and then walk by faith by starting. If it’s His will, it will continue and the end result will happen. If not, it wasn’t meant to be. And we move on.
Finding the balance of pushing through adversity while executing versus pushing on something that isn’t meant for us – I think this guidance needs to come from the Holy Spirit!
Lord, please guide each person reading this right now. That you show them what to do and that they execute according to your way Jesus.
Have an excellent Monday and represent Christ with all that you are.
Your brother in Christ,
David
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