Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. NIV
These magnificent words from King Solomon reveal a magnificent truth; that man plans his course, that is the big plan or the general direction of one’s own life, but God maps out the details; the specific steps.
Many years ago I made up my mind about something I would never do. I would never agree to coronary by-pass surgery. This was not, in my mind,
a conditional thing, but an absolute. No need to bring it up and no need to discuss it, the answer would still be “NO!” That is until January of this year. A very competent cardiologist, who is also a brother in Christ, did not even ask my opinion but told me I was going to Modesto by ambulance where I would go through triple by-pass the next morning. I did tell him of my earlier decision, but the conversation ended there and without argument or dissension. Neither were there the “normal” questions of “Why this Lord?” or “Why me?” The matter was settled. If I wanted to go on living I was having surgery.
What is often so amazing to me is how God uses these situations, not only for our sake but for t the sake of others. In this case in the life of a nurse that I knew; whose wedding ceremony I presided over some 12 years earlier. I sadly learned her husband had taken his own life, and so I had the chance to comfort her, to cry with her but more importantly to pray with her. Would I have planned this? Absolutely not. Would I have chosen to miss this opportunity by not having the surgery? Not on your life. I thank God that He determined my steps. I’m also grateful for His daily presence and the healing I’m experiencing as each day is a little better than the day before. Lord willing my planned course is to be back in the pulpit March 5, however I’m watching for Him to determine my exact steps.
I love being Pastor of the Journey church…I love being alive!
These magnificent words from King Solomon reveal a magnificent truth; that man plans his course, that is the big plan or the general direction of one’s own life, but God maps out the details; the specific steps.
Many years ago I made up my mind about something I would never do. I would never agree to coronary by-pass surgery. This was not, in my mind,
a conditional thing, but an absolute. No need to bring it up and no need to discuss it, the answer would still be “NO!” That is until January of this year. A very competent cardiologist, who is also a brother in Christ, did not even ask my opinion but told me I was going to Modesto by ambulance where I would go through triple by-pass the next morning. I did tell him of my earlier decision, but the conversation ended there and without argument or dissension. Neither were there the “normal” questions of “Why this Lord?” or “Why me?” The matter was settled. If I wanted to go on living I was having surgery.
What is often so amazing to me is how God uses these situations, not only for our sake but for t the sake of others. In this case in the life of a nurse that I knew; whose wedding ceremony I presided over some 12 years earlier. I sadly learned her husband had taken his own life, and so I had the chance to comfort her, to cry with her but more importantly to pray with her. Would I have planned this? Absolutely not. Would I have chosen to miss this opportunity by not having the surgery? Not on your life. I thank God that He determined my steps. I’m also grateful for His daily presence and the healing I’m experiencing as each day is a little better than the day before. Lord willing my planned course is to be back in the pulpit March 5, however I’m watching for Him to determine my exact steps.
I love being Pastor of the Journey church…I love being alive!
