Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

If you are a parent, you know what it is like to make plans for your children only to see them thwarted by choices they make. They have a free-will. You can raise them right, pray for them and direct them down the right path but ultimately it is up to them to walk on the straight and narrow.

That is how it is for God as well.  He is our heavenly father and has plans for us. We have a free will and can easily walk our own path outside of God’s purpose for us if we are not seeking God’s advice and direction in all that we do.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  It doesn’t necessarily mean your plans for tomorrow but rather plans for your purpose while you are here on this earth.  We know His plans are good because God is good. That is his character. He does not want bad things to happen to us. But just as you cannot stop bad things from happening to your children, God does not stop bad things from happening to us when we make bad choices.

Even when you make a bad choice, remember, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Turn back to the Lord after a mistake and ask him for forgiveness and direction. His promise to us is found in Psalm 33:11, “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

So, seek the Lord and ask for his guidance in all that you do so that the Lord’s purpose for your life can prevail.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your loving and forgiving heart. Forgive me when I make mistakes and direct me in your purpose for my life. Amen.