Read Proverbs 16:1-3
None of us like having our plans changed by others, especially if the alteration is not what we want. But how should we react when the Lord directs our lives down a path we didn't anticipate?
Knowing God's character and purposes helps us trust His wisdom-even when we do not understand or like what He is doing. Our response is extremely important. While we cant thawart His work by refusing to cooperate, any stubborness resistance or negative attitude will hinder our own fruitfullness, usefullness, and spiritual growth.
Explore
Who is the Lord?
Psalm 135:5-6 God is sovereign, and He does whatever He please in heaven and on earth
Isaiah 46:9-10 He knows the future and will accomplish His good pleasure
Exodus 34:6 The Lord is gracious, compassionate, and patient
Romans 8:31 God is for us-not against us
What Are His Purposes
Isaiah 25:1 The Lords plans were formed long ago in perfect faithfullness
Psalm 33:10 He may nullify human strategies but His own purposes will be accomplished
Jeremiah 29:11 Gods plans give hope and are for our welfare-not calamity
1 Peter 1:6-7 He alone knows when trials are necessary to produce fruit in us
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 When He allows suffering, His goal for us is "an eternal weight of Glory far beyond comparision"
How should we handle change?
James 4:13-16 Hold your plans loosely and leave room for God to adjust them
Proverbs 16:1-3 Commmit to the Lord everything you do
Acts 16:6-11 When God closes a door of oppurtunity, remain watchful for another to open somewhere else
2 Corinthians 4:18 Always keep and eternal perspective
Reflect
1. What is your first response to an unforeseen change of plans? Does the thought of Gods sovereignty over your circumstances scare or comfort you? Why?
2. Have unexpected situations, whether difficult or painful, caused you to distrust the Lord and his plans for your life? Hoe could focusing on His character and good purposes restore your trust?
15 minute Bible study comes from www.intouch.org
None of us like having our plans changed by others, especially if the alteration is not what we want. But how should we react when the Lord directs our lives down a path we didn't anticipate?
Knowing God's character and purposes helps us trust His wisdom-even when we do not understand or like what He is doing. Our response is extremely important. While we cant thawart His work by refusing to cooperate, any stubborness resistance or negative attitude will hinder our own fruitfullness, usefullness, and spiritual growth.
Explore
Who is the Lord?
Psalm 135:5-6 God is sovereign, and He does whatever He please in heaven and on earth
Isaiah 46:9-10 He knows the future and will accomplish His good pleasure
Exodus 34:6 The Lord is gracious, compassionate, and patient
Romans 8:31 God is for us-not against us
What Are His Purposes
Isaiah 25:1 The Lords plans were formed long ago in perfect faithfullness
Psalm 33:10 He may nullify human strategies but His own purposes will be accomplished
Jeremiah 29:11 Gods plans give hope and are for our welfare-not calamity
1 Peter 1:6-7 He alone knows when trials are necessary to produce fruit in us
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 When He allows suffering, His goal for us is "an eternal weight of Glory far beyond comparision"
How should we handle change?
James 4:13-16 Hold your plans loosely and leave room for God to adjust them
Proverbs 16:1-3 Commmit to the Lord everything you do
Acts 16:6-11 When God closes a door of oppurtunity, remain watchful for another to open somewhere else
2 Corinthians 4:18 Always keep and eternal perspective
Reflect
1. What is your first response to an unforeseen change of plans? Does the thought of Gods sovereignty over your circumstances scare or comfort you? Why?
2. Have unexpected situations, whether difficult or painful, caused you to distrust the Lord and his plans for your life? Hoe could focusing on His character and good purposes restore your trust?
15 minute Bible study comes from www.intouch.org
