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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: WORK OUT (05/20/21)
Paul's missionary journeys are detailed in the Book of Acts in the New Testament. He planted churches, preached and taught in many places. However, his decision to go to Bithynia did not work out the way he planned.

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to (Acts 16:7 NIV).

We are not told why he was stopped, but it may have had something to do with his vision of the man of Macedonia.

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9 NIV)

God was calling him to go to Macedonia instead.

We all make plans. We do the best we can. We expect success.

But what if our plans don't succeed even though we do our best?

The bible tells us that our success depends on our trust in God, not on anything we do or do not do.

A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).

Our Father God knows what is best for each of His children.

When our plans fail, it may be that He has something else, something better.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

God wants us to succeed in all we do.

He has a perfect plan and He gives each of us a unique part in it.

But to be successful we need to ask Him what is best and make our plans according His answer.

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV).

This was God's promise to the Israelites in captivity long ago and it is His promise to us today.

We seek Him and find Him and all our plans work out for good.
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This article has been read 187 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/27/21
This would make an excellent Bible study. You do a great job of relating the verses to life today. Make sure when you quote Bible verses that you put them in quotation marks so they can be distinguished from your words. You have a clear message and a nice take on the topic.
Laura Manley
05/28/21
This entry not only read well, but it caused me to think about my listening to God more. Sometimes we think we know it all, but we need this kind of reminder at times to wake us up to the fact that if we just listened to God, things just might work out better. I noticed only one thing I would point out and that is in the paragraph that begins "But to be successful..." you forgot the word "to" after according. I enjoyed this entry very much.
Bea Edwards 
05/29/21
In agreement with the 2 previous comments, as far as the grammar and forgotten word. By the way that was a good catch, by Laura, I didn't notice it.

I really enjoyed the way you encouraged the reader (me) to seek God first and your numerous examples from the Word of Truth.

Well done.

C D Swanson 
05/31/21
Beautifully written, and beautiful message,
Blessings~