Proverbs 19

One of the proverbs in today’s chapter was very encouraging to me—very encouraging because I care about doing the Lord’s will in my life, but sometimes I question whether I really understand what His will is. That’s why I liked this verse: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (vs 21)

If ever there was a simple, yet accurate, description of the Bible, wouldn’t this be it? For all the generations that have risen up and passed away since the beginning of Time, what is the one thing that has been constant? Through it all, the Lord’s purpose has prevailed. Even when His people were doing the exact opposite of what He wanted, He was still right there, working out His plan.

Think of the life of Joseph. God had given him dreams about being in charge—even over his older brothers. Joseph didn’t know what the dreams meant. His brothers didn’t know what the dreams meant (although they made them mad!). As a result, they sold Joseph into slavery. That certainly wasn’t part of God’s ideal plan, since God never plans evil for us. However, God used what Joseph’s brothers planned for evil and turned it around to fulfill His purpose instead.

I think God does this all the time in our lives. He has a plan for us, and He is working it out. Sometimes, we are attuned to Him and able to “hear” and follow His ideal plan. But when we’re not, He does with us what He did with Joseph’s brothers—takes our mistakes and works them into His plan for good.

In the end, God’s purpose is the most important thing. Here’s what James had to say about it: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (Jas 4:13-15)

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Well, that puts it in perspective, doesn’t it?! Enjoy this day that you have with God, and above all, relax. He’s going to let you know what His will is, and even if you get it wrong from time to time, don’t worry. His purposes prevail. He has a wonderful plan for your life, and He is working it out!