TIMES OF REFLECTION - PART 2
As Christians, anything we do without the Lord's help and blessing can amount to nothing. Today, and as the year runs out, we ought to reflect on any current accomplishment and then pray for the Lord's blessing on any plan we have and on any work He has put in our hands. Yes, we can do more than pray, but we cannot accomplish any task or fulfil any assignment eternally significant without proper preparation at the altar of prayer.
Reference: Proverbs 16:3 New International Version (NIV) 'Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.'
It is important to note that in Christ Jesus, we are co-workers with God, and each one of us is performing a necessary task, carried out by the aid of the Holy Spirit. In short, God is the One who establishes our plans and helps us to succeed in it, as we cooperate with Him. We may have good plans, but that's not enough; we must have His backing and count on it. No wonder Psalm 127:1 assures this by saying, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Though as Christians, our individual plans differ because we are called to different tasks in God's will, we all have the responsibility to commit them all to Him.
Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6:1 (CSB), 'Working together with him, we also appeal to you, "Don't receive the grace of God in vain."' This reminds us that the plans we have or the desires in our hearts do not come to fulfilment through human effort but by God's grace, which we have received. Our human wisdom will be shown to be futile and worthless, if we fail to acknowledge God and commit our plans to Him. So how can any Christian achieve their goals and good plans? It can only happen by God's wisdom and power.
In times of reflection, as we get alone with God, we can ask Him, 'Lord I want to go ahead with this plan, can I count on your backing?' It is the right time to open our hearts to Him and keep our minds stayed on Him, without any distractions, so we can hear Him clearly. This is because Proverbs 19:21(NASB) says, 'Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the Lord will stand.' In other words, wait to be informed and directed by His guidance. At such times, you must have switched off your mobile phones, electronic or other modern gadgets but don't forget your pen and writing pad because you are expecting the Spirit of God to speak to you. Don't assume you would remember everything by heart. Notepad is vital because, even if you forget, the pad will remind you later - word for word.
We can always count on God to bring our work to fruition in His own way and in His perfect time, as we depend on Him in our efforts. When God is involved, your plans will not only be established and prosper, it will also end with a joyous fulfilment, because they are undertaken according to the will of God. Beloved, this is my sincere prayer for the year happening next: May the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our plans successful! (Psalm 90:17 NLT). Shalom!
Scripture Reading - Psalm 37:4-5; Proverbs 3:6; Isaiah 28:29; Job 5:8; Proverbs 16:9.
Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I live by your Word and I prosper and excel in all things as I meditate on the Word, act on it and reflect on your goodness. I thank you for helping me to think ahead and plan from your perspective and also for positioning me to change or rearrange my plan when you require me to do so. Thank you for revealing to me by your Spirit, the right steps to take in the coming year. As your Spirit searches all things, even the deep things concerning your perfect will for my plans, I thank you for the energy, focus and discipline to get them done and I trust you for successful outcomes, profitable investments, Kingdom backing and advantage in Jesus' Name, Amen!
