Plans

How can I make plans for the New Year?
Jesus made no plans for Himself; He surrendered Himself to God, and day by day God unfolded His work before Him. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He has sent.” So we should surrender ourselves and our plans to God day by day; and day by day God will unfold His plans of work for us. We do not know which will prosper, this or that; but God has foreknowledge, and wisdom and understanding to guide us.

Our Heavenly Guide will give us our marching orders as we need them. We would become confused if we had to organize and plan all the various complicated turns that our paths take; so God reserves all the instructions, and rolls them out as needed and used.

If we do our part, if we take the first step under His direction, then strength and direction will be given us for the next. “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”

If we knew God’s strategy beforehand, in our human ignorance we might betray the secret into the enemy ranks. Therefore God, as a wise Commander, guards these important moves. Our part is simply to trust and obey.

Our part is to submit to the rigid training and discipline that is required of a member of God’s Heavenly Army. We must put and keep our hearts in order, in subjection to His authority.

Don’t think this is easy! It is not simple for a proud, independent, rebellious human heart to become submissive, willing and obedient. It requires daily death, ceaseless turmoil, and unyielding determination. But at the same time there is a wonderful sense of rest, because our Heavenly Shepherd jealously cares for, feeds, waters and houses His sheep.
AMEN

Kathleen Ross
Alberta, Canada