WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO ME?
PROVERBS 19:21 NKJV
21 There are many plans in a man's heart,
Nevertheless the Lord's counsel—that will stand.
Over the years of being involved on church and pastoral ministry, this is one of the main questions I have encountered.
What is God saying to me? Is this His counsel, or is this from me?
First, there must be a sincere heart to receive God's counsel. Way too many times, people have come to me with, "the Lord told me." And way too many times, it was what they wanted to do and did not want to hear anything else. Once you tell me, "the Lord told me," all conversation stops right there.
But there are many sincere people who have something in their hearts and want to be sure it's the Lord. Just the fact that they were willing to submit their questions to those in leadership positions is a good sign of humility. If the plan truly is from God, it should bear witness to those people in your life that want God's best for you.
The second thing I look for is what keeps coming up in your heart. What will not go away? When you are praying, and prayer does need to be involved, what just won't leave you? The Lord's counsel - that will stand.
And here is another thing, the Lord’s counsel will work!
We started The Ark in June of 1996. In the spring of that year, I spoke with a client of mine who was looking for a sales manager. I was working for a good company in sales but getting serious about starting a church.
My client put a job position in front of me that sounded great. It was in a growing industry, and the money was outstanding. I told him I would pray about it and get back to him.
I was excited about the opportunity for about two days. But as I was praying about the church, I actually forgot about this great job. It wasn't the Lord's counsel. It didn't stand. And looking back, I could not have done this job and start the church also.
Many plans, but they are not all from the Lord.
So, what keeps coming up in your heart? When you are praying and seeking God's will for you, what just won't go away.
PRAYER:
Lord, I desire Your will for my life. I want what You want for me. Help me to discern my plans from Your plans.