"Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I
say, 'Yes, yes' and 'No, no'?" 2 Corinthians 1:17
The apostle Paul was discussing his
plans to come to the church at Corinth. He was acknowledging the serious nature
of his trip and informing the Corinthians that he did not flippantly come to
this decision to visit them. It was a matter that had been given serious
prayer, not one made in the spur of the moment.
Planning from God's view is a
process. It isn't merely an exercise in reason and analysis. It requires
entering into the mind of Christ together with our minds to determine which
course to take. In the Old Testament, the priests wore breastplates with the
Urim and Thummim in a pouch on their breasts. It was like a roll of dice that
the priests were required to perform to know which direction they were to take
on a matter. It was the ultimate release of all decisions into God's hand. God
did not want the priests to rely on their own intellects for final decisions.
We have an uncanny ability to make
decisions based on our own needs and wants. However, God desires that we seek
Him to know His plans for us. David was a skilled warrior who never lost a
battle. He consulted God on every decision. He knew the results of the battle
rested in God's hand. So, if he was to gain victory, he had to know God's mind
on the matter. Sometimes this requires more time given to the process in order
to hear His voice. Sometimes it may even require fasting and prayer. Sometimes
it may require input from other godly friends.
Are you a man or woman who makes
decisions based on God's purposes for your life? Do you take every major
decision and put it before the throne to determine God's mind on the matter? If
so, you will avoid making decisions in a worldly manner.
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