Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 16
For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16.7-9)
Devotional Thought: As Paul closes his letter to the church in Corinth, he ties up some loose ends, including making some travel plans. His plan was to spend some time with the Christians in Corinth, but only after the Lord released him from his current work in Ephesus.
As we look at these verses, we can learn some helpful things about planning:
Practical considerations: "I do not want to see you now just in passing." Paul didn't have time for an extended visit, and he wanted to make the most of the visit. Often the first step in planning is to ask "What are the current circumstances?"
Personal preferences: "I hope to spend some time with you." Don’t be afraid of your desires and preferences. I remember how Lana, my wife, helped me make a decision about a job change years ago. At one point, she asked me, "Can you see yourself staying where you are?" When I said, "No," she helped me see that this feeling was our answer. God shapes our preferences to help us make our plans.
The Lord’s will: “If the Lord permits.” Everything about planning must be submitted to the will of the Lord, as revealed in 1) the Bible, 2) godly counselors, 3) promptings of the Spirit, and 4) providentially opened/closed doors.
Current projects: "A wide door for effective work..." Pray long and hard about making changes to what you are doing if it is working!
Preventing circumstances: "There are many adversaries." Were these adversaries in Ephesus or Corinth? We don't know, but we do know that Paul took it into account in his planning.
Go ahead and make your plans with confidence. God will guide the submissive mind!
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you include me as a co-conspirator! I am able to be a part of your plan by making plans myself. Help me to do so with wisdom and love! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 112:6-10
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
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