In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Times are different, and many of us will need to look to new endeavors as the country and our world seemingly “evolve.” But, as much as we may determine what course we take moving forward, as it is written above, the Lord will establish our steps. What steps? Fortunately for us, the Lord does NOT evolve. Our Lord is steadfast and never changing. He even provides a roadmap for the steps and path we must take to start.
When Jesus first met the apostle Philip it is written:
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” John 1:43 NIV
When he met the apostle Matthew for the first time:
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 9:9 NIV
There’s a common theme at the beginning of every spiritual journey: “Follow me.” This is the cornerstone of every course we plan.
When the apostle Peter saw Jesus on the shores of Galilee, after he had resurrected, what steps did our Lord tell him to take?
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:19 NIV
Talk about a change in life! Peter had walked with Jesus for 3 years, been in his physical presence, watched him be laid to rest and saw him several times after he had risen. This was one of the last times Peter would ever see our Lord face to face, and what steps did our Lord ask him to take? “Follow Me.”
Our course is already planned. Our steps have never really changed. Jesus wants us to use the steps we take to follow him. Our Lord remains steadfast in his message. As we follow him, he will help in establishing our course. We must not allow the current environment to force us to plan a course on our own. Don’t attempt to make any major course changes without his counsel.
About our lives in this world, Paul writes:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans’ 12:2 NIV
Don’t let the world dictate an “evolution” in your life, nor let it cause your attitudes and concerns to “evolve.” Consider Paul’s writing above, do not conform, but be further transformed!
As we allow the Lord to plan our course, in his perfect way, he will determine all of our steps. Thus, we let him reveal his perfect will for us. The result of this will be the full measure of his joy within us!
Remember to Love one another, as our Lord has commanded.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.