Balance

The Art of Including Jesus’ Wisdom in Our Plans

In the faith journey, we often encounter a tension that tests our beliefs and actions. It balances between relying on Jesus’ wisdom and making our plans. This tension also involves the choice between remaining passive and waiting for divine intervention or working hand in hand with Jesus to overcome our circumstances. It’s a delicate equilibrium!

SEEK His Wisdom Over Common Sense and Human Understanding

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

The journey begins with trust in Jesus and His wisdom. We are called to submit our plans to Him, acknowledging His superior knowledge. This passage teaches us that reliance on Jesus’ guidance is the cornerstone of our faith. Seeking His wisdom over our understanding requires humility and vulnerability.

PLAN With a Purpose That Alligns To What You Know About His Personality

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

While we trust in Jesus, we are encouraged to plan and commit our actions to the Lord. This suggests that our plans are important when aligned with His purpose. It’s not about passivity but about working purposefully.

REMAIN Patient For The Breakthrough While Working The Plan

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Patience plays a crucial role in the tension between waiting for Jesus to act and taking action ourselves. Waiting for the Lord doesn’t imply inaction but trusting in His timing and plan, even when we’re actively pursuing our goals.

TEAM Up And Collaborate With His Purpose, Which Is Not Heavy

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that Jesus actively works in and through us, empowering us to take action. We work in collaboration with Christ, understanding that His purpose ultimately guides our efforts.

OVERCOME Fear By Trusting That His Presence Is Your Courage

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Fear can be a significant obstacle in the tension between reliance and action. Trusting in Jesus and taking action requires courage. This verse reassures us that Jesus is with us every step of the way, dispelling our fears.

The tension between including Jesus’ wisdom in our plans and remaining passive and allowing our circumstances to win is called faith. It balances surrender and initiative, patience and purpose, trust and courage. Ultimately, it’s a partnership with Christ, where we acknowledge His wisdom, work purposefully, wait on His timing, and confidently take action. By embracing this tension, we can navigate life’s challenges with the assurance that we are not alone and that Jesus is actively involved in our journey.