Expectant Prayers ®

There are many times in life when I have seen God move in mysterious ways. Prayers aren't answered the way we expected, circumstances work out in ways we thought they should, or even times when God uses something totally outside the box to meet our need(s).  

Proverbs 16:19 tells us, "The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Planning is not the problem, leaning on our own understanding and not allowing God to lead us IS!

Our minds try to reason what is best for us, but the fact of the matter is that many times our reasoning, thoughts, and need to know why often rage war against our faith and trust in the Almighty.  We lack faith and it comes out in our words and actions.  We turn our faces toward the sky and ask, "Why God?" or "What are you doing God?" when we should simply be content where we are at the time and trusting that He is working ALL things for our good.   Here's an example.  Abraham of Old was counted as righteous because he was led by the Lord not knowing where God was leading him!    Our desire to understand and control our circumstances actually works against the faith we possess.  Is God really God?  Can we trust Him with our lives or not?  

Here are some more Biblical nuggets to help us better grasp this topic:

 Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the best instruction (which has become a life verse to many) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.   The Word tells us in Isaiah 55:8, " "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

Our understanding is only a minuscule nano-fraction of what God's understanding is.  How arrogant we are when we don't trust Him completely!

The old adage of "you can't count on anyone but yourself" is totally false.  God is the one we should be seeking to guide, direct, and move in our lives. 

Psalm 37:5 tells us, "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it."   Now this doesn't mean we do whatever we want and expect God to bless it.  We seek His will and commit that our ways will be His ways - our thoughts will be His thoughts.  Then the plans will succeed and He will do it!

"The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."  Psalm 33:11   Just think - He is the same God who counseled Moses in the Wilderness, all the great men and women of the Bible, and many of our Nation's founding fathers.  His thoughts and guidance led your Christian ancestors and parents - and He is faithful to you.  If He tarries, He will continue to guide your children and their children's children... to ALL generations!

God is faithful and His thoughts toward us are good and right!

Proverbs 40:5 says, "Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,  And Your thoughts toward us;  There is none to compare with You If I would declare and speak of them,
         They would be too numerous to count."


WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO FAIL TO LEAN ON GOD'S UNDERSTANDING?

But, woe to the man who does not have the thoughts of God in mind.  When we don't we either have the devil's thoughts in mind or those of our own flesh.  Either way, the results do not produce the LIFE God desires.

Isaiah 65:2 says, "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts"

"But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD,And they do not understand His purpose."  Malachi 4:12  speaks these words concerning people in the last days.

For this reason we are cautioned in the Word to keep our minds/ thoughts steadfast on Him.  Remember Philippians 4:8 (think on these things) and also 2 Corinthians 10:5, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ".

Isaiah 55:7 says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

WHERE ARE YOUR THOUGHTS TODAY?

My prayer for us is that we will guard our thoughts and minds in these last days - standing in confidence that our knowledge, understanding, and plans are no match to the God who lives and loves us. His thoughts for and towards us are unmatched.  We must learn to lean NOT on our own understanding! 

May He turn our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations He gave our fathers.  1 Kings 8:58

Amen.