This post is written to link with Five Minute Friday: write for five minutes on a one-word prompt. The prompt today is “determine.”
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)
I’m sure this is a lesson that has been highlighted for many of us over the last two years. It feels strange now to think back to the plans I had at the start of 2020 – plans for trips, for ministry, for writing… none of which have worked out as I had hoped. And I know it has been similar for almost everyone in the world.
We’re really not in control as much as we might like to think we are.
But one thing we do have control of is our decision about how to respond when our plans go wrong. Do we sulk? Do we give in to despair? Do we put on a smile and pretend we’re fine? Or is there a different way?
I’m sure it wasn’t part of Daniel’s plan to be exiled to Babylon – to be captured and take 900 miles away from home to a place with different food, a different language, a different culture, and different gods. And yet Daniel didn’t sulk, or give into despair, or pretend it was all fine. He made a decision.
“Daniel was determined not to defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8 NLT)
He made that decision right at the start of his time in Babylon, and that determined his future there. Through the reigns of several different kings, various trials and times where hard decisions were necessary, Daniel was faithful. Despite coming as a captive, Daniel succeeded in Babylon because he focused on honouring God and doing the best he could in the circumstances he faced.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)
Our situations will be different from Daniel’s, but when life doesn’t go according to our plans, we have a choice. Do we fight against it, or do we embrace God’s plan, trusting that he is with us, he cares, and he will help us through? Do we determine to remain faithful as Daniel did?
It’s not an easy choice, and it takes commitment and determination, but I want to follow Daniel’s example.
Life in the Spacious Place 
Yes and amen, Lesley. God’s Word gives us the keys we need to continue forward, to honor Him, to empower us to do what He’s calling us to do.
Even and especially during seasons like this that have morphed into something we never could have dreamed of.
Have a good weekend, friend.
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Thanks, Linda! I love how your post linked to this theme too. Hope you have a lovely weekend too!
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Such a good word of encouragement to determine not to defile ourselves and to guard our heart. Thank you!
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Thanks for reading, Lisa!
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We’re caught up in the writhing gyre
of a sea we can’t control,
nor can we retreat, retire,
from the waves’ incessant roll,
and we thus must face the spray
and hope that our arms are strong
enough to pass from night to day,
but, oh, the darkness seems so long!
And then we hear a step, asplash,
and hear a whistled merry tune,
and then a voice comes like a lash,
and the clouds part for the moon
at command of He whose will
is “Peace, and wind and wave be still!”
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It is very comforting to remember that even when it seems chaotic to us God is still in charge!
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We always have a choice of how we will respond. I’m somewhat of a recovering “sulker” (sigh) so this was a good reminder today! Have a blessed one!
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Thanks, Jennifer! I have definitely done some sulking myself! Hope you have a good weekend.
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Still working on my take on today’s prompt. You have given me much to think about.
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Thanks. Look forward to reading what you come up with.
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Leslie, I so appreciated reading your thoughts as I recently had a conversation. There is not one of us who could have determined the events of the last two years. The one thing we can determine is how we will go through these days. May we be determined to stay close to Jesus for He is the One sovereign over all our days.
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Thanks, Joanne! Yes, no-one could have predicted the last couple of years but I’m grateful that God knew!
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Trying to accept life “as is” is one of my goals this year with Release. I like to make intricate plans, but of course they rarely go as designed. I want to remain flexible for God’s plans as the most important.
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I feel the same. I like planning so it’s easy to depend too much on that and then get frustrated when my plans don’t work out!
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This was amazing! Definitely thought provoking! Thank you!
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Thanks for reading. I’m glad you liked it!
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