She was aptly nicknamed, “the
Iron Lady.” Known for her conviction, decisiveness and candor, former United
Kingdom Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was a staunch ally with the United
States and a strong force for freedom in the world. It was only true to character
then that, as President George H.W. Bush prepared to rescue the tiny nation of
Kuwait from invading armies from the North, she had a piece of advice for him,
delivered in her own inimitable way, “Remember, George, this is no time to go
wobbly.” He didn’t, of course, and Kuwait was delivered.
Some of us are visionaries and strategists by nature, imagining the possible and mapping out the best way to achieve it. Others among us are doers: just give us a vision and a plan, and we’re off to make it happen. Regardless of our natural inclinations and talents, however, it is easy to become discouraged and doubtful along the way and, ultimately, derailed from our plan. So, how do we stay the course?
It is encouraging to know our God is a relational God; He has plans for us, both as a people and as individuals. His proactive love for us finds voice through Jeremiah, the prophet: “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”1 It is God’s nature to engage us with the promise of purpose and plans that matter. What more could we ask? Why wouldn’t we seek them?
It is in this certainty, then, that we align ourselves with God’s will by following life-changing advice from the apostle Paul, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”2 And as we see His plans unfold before our opened eyes—whether in the few momentous occasions in life or myriad every-day encounters—we proceed confidently in the wisdom of Solomon, trusting in the Lord with all our heart3, committing our work to the Lord4, not deviating from our plan5, knowing it is the Lord who establishes our steps6. In the will of God and by His power, there is for us “no time to go wobbly.”
Some of us are visionaries and strategists by nature, imagining the possible and mapping out the best way to achieve it. Others among us are doers: just give us a vision and a plan, and we’re off to make it happen. Regardless of our natural inclinations and talents, however, it is easy to become discouraged and doubtful along the way and, ultimately, derailed from our plan. So, how do we stay the course?
It is encouraging to know our God is a relational God; He has plans for us, both as a people and as individuals. His proactive love for us finds voice through Jeremiah, the prophet: “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”1 It is God’s nature to engage us with the promise of purpose and plans that matter. What more could we ask? Why wouldn’t we seek them?
It is in this certainty, then, that we align ourselves with God’s will by following life-changing advice from the apostle Paul, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”2 And as we see His plans unfold before our opened eyes—whether in the few momentous occasions in life or myriad every-day encounters—we proceed confidently in the wisdom of Solomon, trusting in the Lord with all our heart3, committing our work to the Lord4, not deviating from our plan5, knowing it is the Lord who establishes our steps6. In the will of God and by His power, there is for us “no time to go wobbly.”
Father, thank you for having plans for me, for loving and valuing me that much. Inspire me to trade my agenda for yours. Grace me with the patience to wait for your wisdom and the courage to go forth obediently and in your strength. In the name of Jesus and the power of your Spirit I pray. Amen.
Christ in Me is strength.
1 Jeremiah 29:1
2 Romans 12:
3 Proverbs 3:5,
4 Proverbs 16:3
5 Proverbs 4:2
6 Proverbs 19:9
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