I’ve Had This All Wrong!

(Proverbs 16:3 ESV) Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Several years ago I decided to read Proverbs (31 chapters) in its entirety each month. This is easily done by reading one chapter each day. So, when I say that I have read this verse many times… I really mean it! As I read it today something hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve had the order all wrong.

What do I mean? Well, for one thing, I’m a planner. One of the things I always loved about working in our Regional Executive Offices was the planning aspect of ministry. At the beginning of each two year cycle, all of the various departments of the Church of God would finalize their event planning and forward it to the respective leaders for inclusion on the calendar. I literally knew my ministry schedule two years in advance. Once I knew what the calendar looked like I could very easily fill in the logistics for each event.

So, believe me when I tell you… I was really surprised when I noticed the ORDER in which our labor is to be established. To my way of thinking, planning comes first. I’m not very spontaneous. If you want to frustrate me, just throw something at me at the last minute. I like details–and I like them to be planned in advance.

But, the writer seems to indicate that the first order of business is to commit our work to the Lord. It makes perfect sense. Why would I try to plan if I don’t FIRST know what I should be doing?

I remember a time in my life when I tried to barter with the Lord concerning ministry. I did not want to be a pastor so I tried to negotiate a different role. I decided that I could be comfortable being a music pastor. I felt like that would be a great way to serve the Lord. With the decision made (at least in my mind), I began to plan my life pursuing a goal that was inconsistent with God’s call upon my life. No matter how talented or committed I was, I could never fulfill God’s highest calling because I had not yet COMMITTED MY WORK to the Lord. It was only after I surrendered my will (my work) to the Lord that I could plan appropriately for the future.

Do you ever feel frustrated with your journey? Have you ever wondered why you are not seeing the success you had hoped for? Could it be that you have put your plans in front of your purpose? Trust me when I tell you… God will not negotiate. He created each of us with divine purpose. No matter how detailed your life plans are, you will never succeed unless they are built around your purpose. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

PRAYER: Your will. It’s what I want. I must discover it before I make the first plan. Help me Father, to be sensitive to Your voice. Point me in the right direction… establish my plans as I commit my work to You. Amen.