Have you ever heard a business described as “well established?” Sometimes it’s a brokerage, or it could be a law firm. “Well established” is a term that points to solid foundations, great operations and the expectation that they can deliver optimal services. But what does that have to do with faith?
Before we jump in to look at the answer to that question, welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert;” I’m glad you’re here. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! Please like, subscribe and share this with a friend!
When I think of a “well established” law firm, for example, I picture a group of experienced lawyers committed to representing their clients well, a revolutionary management team that focuses on getting the right people plugged into the right places, and strong support staff to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. You know, a legal dream team that pretty much guarantees success. But “well established” firms in any field typically began with one person who had a commitment to the highest ideals, and their services grew from there. The best of the best are always built on a firm foundation.
Today’s verse says COMMIT TO THE LORD WHATEVER YOU DO, AND HE WILL ESTABLISH YOUR PLANS.
The first part of that verse speaks to the heart of the matter. For you and I to commit whatever we do to the Lord, that commitment has to come from someone determined and devoted to Him. People who don’t care about God or His call on their lives don’t commit anything to Him. They set their hearts on their own goals, and then pursue them; often sacrificing character and integrity in the process.
But a person who is determined to use their gifts to advance God’s Kingdom will focus on fulfilling HIs call on their life. They delight themselves in the Lord, and so He gives them the desires of their heart; literally leading them to want what He wants. That’s the kind of people we want to be, truly. Because when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will get personally involved and straighten out the way we need to go. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. You’ll see doors opening that you could never have opened on your own.
Committing whatever you do to the Lord will keep you focused on the call. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. The enemy will try to distract you from the main thing. He’ll use power, money, sex or whatever it takes to get you to stop being committed to what God has called you to do.
I heard a story about a traveling businessman searching online for a restaurant in a new city. He found a place called the “Church of God Grill” with reviews that said they sold amazing chicken dinners. The peculiar name aroused his curiosity and he called to place an order. He asked about the unusual name, and the man taking his order said: “Several years ago we started a church down here, and we began selling chicken dinners after church on Sunday to help pay the bills. Well, people liked the chicken, and we did such a good business, that eventually we cut back on the church service. After a while we just closed down the church altogether and kept on serving chicken dinners. We just kept the name we started with, and that’s Church of God Grill.”
It’s easy to get distracted, but if you COMMIT TO THE LORD WHATEVER YOU DO, AND HE WILL ESTABLISH YOUR PLANS. Don’t forget the WHY behind what you do. And don’t forget the WHO behind you.
The second part of the verse shows how God stands behind His people. He establishes our plans as we remain focused on Him and His Kingdom. The reason is simple – He places the desire to serve Him in our hearts as we invite Him to do so. Then He opens the means to fulfill those desires as we serve Him faithfully. He establishes the plans He has led us into.
Now THAT is a well established plan!
