Topic: The First Step in Planning [Joyce Meyer Devotional 16 May 2021]

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A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.— Proverbs 16:9 (AMPC)

Many times, we make a plan and then pray for it to work. But God wants us to pray first and ask Him for His plan. After we have His plan, then He wants us to trust Him to bring it to pass. We can live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, knowing that God’s plans always succeed.

Activity birthed out of the flesh, our own effort without God, actually prevents God from showing Himself strong in our lives. The Bible describes that kind of activity as “works of the flesh.” I’ve come to realize that works of the flesh are “works that don’t work.” That is not the way to live the higher life that God has prepared for us. Pray first, ask God for His plan, and trust Him to work in your life.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for the gift of prayer. Instead of trusting my own plan, please help me to trust Your plan and to seek you in the first place. In Jesus’ name, amen.