A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.    Proverbs 16:19 CSB

You’ve probably heard it said that man plans, and God laughs. Have you ever laid out some excellent plans for something, only to face obstacles at every turn? Or maybe you have followed through with your plans only to find that the result you had hoped for failed miserably.

I spent many years doing things my way and wanting God to tag along. I did what I wanted and hoped that God would give His blessings. It didn’t always work out that way.

It was only when I surrendered my way to His will that things began to work much better in my life. It doesn’t mean that I don’t make plans. It means that I don’t allow my plans to get in the way of God’s will for my life. I put Him first. By putting Him first, He handles everything else.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to rely on our own understanding. It tells us to think about Him in all that we do, and He will guide us on the right paths.

Yesterday, in our Bible study, a friend pointed out that we don’t need to sit and wait to discover God’s will for us. Paul explains this in 2 Corinthians 5:15 which says, “And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.” In this chapter Paul talks about us being reconciled to God through Christ. This is God’s will for us that we might be saved and that we might share the gospel in hopes of seeing others saved. In verse 18, Paul said, “All this is from God, who through Christ, reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

We start by surrendering ourselves to Christ and doing our best in the way we speak and act to lead others to Him. We trust in God to show us His will for our lives and allow Him to guide us.

My friend if God is not guiding you on the right paths, you are lost. You may think you have it all going on and all is well, but there will come a time when you realize that things are not as they seem. Hopefully, when this happens you will also realize you need God in your life.

With each passing day we are one day closer to our death or to Christ’s return. We are one day closer to appearing before the judgment seat of Christ. If you were called to judgment right now this minute, how would that go for you? Do you know God would welcome you into his heavenly abode? Do you know without a doubt you are saved? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior and surrendered your life to Him?

If you are unsure of where you would spend eternity, I beg of you to get sure. James 4:8 tells us if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.  The time is now, don’t delay.

If you have spent a lifetime doing things your way, isn’t it time you trusted in God and did things His way? Doing things His way brings us peace and joy. Doing things our way brings momentary satisfaction at times, but often times it brings chaos. God knows what is best for our lives.

This doesn’t mean we will never suffer heartache or pain; it just means He will be there to walk us and guide us through it.

I’ve tried doing things my way and hoping God would approve. I have also tried following Him and allowing Him to guide me through Bible study and prayer. I can promise you letting Him lead works way better. Trust in Him today.

Have a great day!