Decisions from the Lord
Proverbs 16:33: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”
A simple verse from Proverbs, simply stating that though lots are cast by man, the outcome is determined by the Lord. Do not take this as an encouragement to gamble or take risky decisions, but rather as an assurance that the Lord has an eye on everything that happens under the sun. Nothing happens or does not happen outside his will.
Even in the Old Testament, it is stated that lots were cast before the Lord, to seek His wisdom and guidance when making decisions. Joshua 18:8-10 “So the men arose and went, and Joshua charged those who went to write the description of the land, saying, “Go up and down in the land and write a description and return to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD in Shiloh.” So the men went and passed up and down in the land and wrote in a book a description of it by towns in seven divisions. Then they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh, and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion.
Take heart in God’s wisdom and plans for us, and turn to Him, whenever you feel uncertain or lost. Seek His wisdom and guidance, and it will be given.
A human misunderstanding of divine purposes
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
This is Job’s response to God declaring his power and authority in Job 41. He submits to God’s sovereignty and penitently despising himself for his earlier words. Job had made assumptions about his situation while lacking information and understanding of God’s ways and purposes.
Often, we can look at a situation we are in and try and make sense of it using our imperfect, human, understanding of God’s will. Job’s mistake is a lesson to us not to draw our own conclusions about God’s purposes but rather submit to Him wholeheartedly with utmost faith.
All things are for Him and through Him
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:16-17
Christ was present during creation, as part of the Holy Trinity. This verse adds that not only was Christ there but all things are created through and for him. Paul’s reason for making these claims is to demonstrate Christ’s power and love. To convince his readers to glorify God, as in Romans 11:36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
If all things are through Christ and for Christ, we must remember to give glory to Him no matter the circumstance. Reality is the result of God’s plans for us, and though we may not understand due to our limited sinful human understanding of things, we know that he loves us.
Things will work out
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, ESV
On the surface, Romans 8:28 seems a simple verse to understand. Love God, and things will work out well for you. However, this is not the case as “good” does not translate to our human and earthly understanding of the word. When we think “good” we understand it as going well or comfortable. The following verse, Romans 8:29, elaborates “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
“Good” here means that we will draw closer to parity with the image of Jesus the more we love God and obey him. Our takeaway is that love and obedience to God may not materialise goodness in the way we imagine, but instead draw us ever closer to him.
God’s will in our lives
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” Ephesians 1:11 ESV.
Sometimes, we can feel very overwhelmed by our responsibilities and forget that our sovereign and loving God and has a plan in store for us. Paul tells us here that our inheritance is predestined to us, in accordance with his will.
We should take comfort in this plan, especially in turbulent times such as these. Take heart, for though uncertainty and chaos may seem to surround us, our God will bring order in his own time.
Stay safe, be patient and remember that the Lord our God is our strength and shield.
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