Daily Journal: 3 May

God Is Biggest

What plans do I carry in my heart? Am I on track with where God wants me to be? What plans do I see being carried by those around me? Am I encouraging them to pursue what God's placed on their hearts and in their hands to do?

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

It doesn’t matter what other people do or say against us, though it may feel that it does. It doesn’t matter, in the end, whether others support us or not. Is it hurtful when competition or agendas get in the way? Sure it is.

Employers should support their employees to fly. Dads should mentor their children. Mothers should surround and protect their families. Parents should know their children well and find agreement over what’s best for them. Churches should cheer their members on in their individual calling and purpose that God has given them to do, whether it’s in the church or in a separate ministry. Christ followers should encourage and lift each other up. That's why it hurts when it doesn't happen. 

But there is enough grace to go around!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Are we?

Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

God’s purposes are not measurable like a meal that needs to be shared around everyone, being evenly distributed. Competition. Insecurity. Agendas. Rights. It all gets in the way.

But should it stop us? No. Should it manufacture a different response? No.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)

Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the LORD will stand.

Our small-mindedness doesn’t stop God. Our small-mindedness will only show God’s glory even more.

It’s sad and disheartening when we’re doing what God is calling but we know other people are working against us, criticising, judging, back-biting, simply being silent. We can see they might be hindering us in the moment, but not to worry! God has the timing in His hands. The outcome of our calling is all up to Him. No offense needed. No frustration required. Only perseverance and grace.

Jeremiah 32:19 (NLT)

You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve.

God has called every person to fulfil their very own purpose and destiny. Nobody else can walk in our shoes.

Job 42:2 (NLT)

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.

Keep digging those wells. Don’t let little things like slander or stone-walling prevent you from being who you are and doing what you know you should do. Don't allow arguments to get in the way or discouragement to have a voice. God is biggest. Nothing can stand in the way of God’s ultimate plans.

Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Beautiful.

I pray we know this, carry this, and have peace.