Read: Proverbs 16

Verse: 1-3 (NLT)

"We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

When I have read these verses in the past, I've seen them as 3 separate verses. However, as I was reading them today, I saw them as one cohesive unit. You can make your plans, God looks at our motives and if our actions are in line with God (committed to Him), our plans will succeed.

As I have said before, I'm a "type A" personality, a recovering perfectionist, and I REALLY like to plan and KNOW what's going to happen. For years, I thought that God had 1 path for my life and if I missed it...I was "doomed". I wanted the big billboard with neon flashing lights and His booming voice saying "This is MY path for you...walk ye in it."  At times I have waited so long to find the "right answer" that I've made a decision by NOT making a decision and then the opportunity has passed. 

A few years ago my husband and I were at a crossroads and had to make major decisions about our employment and calling on our lives. We sought counsel from another ministry couple and as we were praying and talking they asked us, "What do you WANT to do?" I thought, "Come again? What do I WANT to do?"

In my almost 50 years (at that point) I hadn't even entertained that thought, nor did I think I COULD. God wants to know what I want? He cares that I'm happy and fulfilled? It took me a few weeks for this to begin to sink in and I couldn't even BEGIN to think of what I would want.

Now I'm finding that it's easier to do what I want because as I've grown closer to Jesus, my wants are in alignment with His. I no longer feel obligated to do things because I'm afraid of what others may think. I can say "no" more often. Such freedom when you are following Christ daily! 

What do you want to do as you follow Christ today?

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