Jul
22
Work on the Fundamentals
Filed Under Devotional
Vince Lombardi is probably the best known coach in the history of football. In fact, the Super Bowl Trophy is named after him. He was famous for teaching the fundamentals of football by starting with the line, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” This approach is the very best when a fundamentally sound football player is the desired result.
Many Christians are not fundamentally sound in their faith, but are wandering around exploring their relationship with God in the midst of frustration because no one started them out with the basics. I believe that the most basic characteristic of God’s purpose is this: God will have it His way. With this in mind, every human being is resistant because we value the muck and the mire of our own so-called independence. Nevertheless, God will have it His way.
“The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand,” Isaiah 14:24
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.” Psalm 33:11
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
The paradox, in this case, is manmade as we see God’s plan in conflict with man’s independence. In fact, it is our submission to God’s plan that produces freedom and independence. God wants us to be independent, not from Him, but rather from everything else. He is better than everything else.
My advice is to stop and ask yourself this question: “Who is able to make better plans for everything? God who knows everything and is perfect? Or, man who knows very little and is imperfect?” Until you fix your answer clearly in your mind, be prepared to wander and wonder. If you find yourself asking, “Why won’t God give me what I want?” I suggest to you that you are not hearing God ask, “Why won’t He take what I am offering?”