Both Solomon and Jehoshaphat got it right. They sought God’s direction first and then proceeded with their plans. In Chronicles 18:4, Jehoshaphat said, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.” (NLT). And, King Solomon wrote “Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NLT).

 

Both verses remind us to start with God by turning our plans over to Him (first) allowing Him to carry the load and trusting in His sovereignty. When we include God in our plans, He guides our steps according to His purposes. Because we are so very shortsighted and think only of the immediate, this truly saves us a lot of heartache.

 

How many times have you and I rushed forward without including Him in our plans or even pausing to see if all the pieces of the puzzle fit? We hurry to make progress. We hurry because we are fearful we will miss an opportunity. We hurry to save money or desire more money, recognition, or, perhaps, fame. We have become accustomed to getting what we want, when we want, how we want. We lose sight of our God given purpose and we begin to leave God out of our plans.

 

It is so easy to make decisions due to wrong priorities. We want to make progress but, in the end, we actually lose time. We lose days, weeks, months, and even years of opportunity to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Even so, God in His infinite wisdom and mercy has made a provision for our shortsightedness. In Romans 8:28, we are told, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (NKJV) I encourage you – the pastoral candidate, the ministry worker, the Christian job seeker – to not take the long way around but rather stop and prayerfully link your career to God’s purposes by seeking His will first for your life and your circumstances.

 

Both Solomon and Jehoshaphat got it right and we can too! Take a few minutes to weigh your plans and desires. Have you turned them over to the Lord so He can guide your steps? Always be encouraged that God has your best interest at heart. His “no” or “wait” isn’t to punish us. The Creator of the Universe has “the plan” for our success. Trust Him.

 

I’d love to hear from you …

Blessings,

Tammy

 

Tammy Shoup, CPRW is a Christian Resume Writer dedicated to helping Pastoral Candidates, Ministry Workers, and Christian Job Seekers launch a successful job search campaign. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and National Résumé Writer’s Association. She is also a past member of the Christian Writer’s Guild.