There is a significant difference between plans verses purpose it seems. Proverbs 19:21 says Many are the PLANS in a mans heart; But it is the LORD’s PURPOSE that prevails
1) PLANS
Mans plans are our dreams, ideas, choices and decisions. They come from us, from others and from the influences around us. They can be to get married, buy a house, move cities, change churches ... anything! Generally, they are the big decisions that determine what we do, where we go and who we do them with.
2) PURPOSE
God’s purpose is His intention for what happens in our lives. Purpose is a set direction and a final destination. God’s purpose is His best. His purpose should become our purpose. His Ways are Higher than our Ways. Purpose doesn’t always make sense until you arrive at the destination. You may fight God all the way kicking and screaming, but He will be right all along in the end. If your plans are contrary to God’s purposes, He will orchestrate events so His purpose will prevail within you. Scripture simply abounds on this powerful concept:
Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good PURPOSE.
• The power of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit are alive in us, transforming us to desire and do God’s great purposes. He gives us a new heart and mind to live for Kingdom assignments and no longer foolish earthly activities
Matthew 8:28 All things work together for good, to those who love God and are called to His PURPOSE.
• Not that all things are good that happen to us. But in heavens eyes anything that strengthens your faith, character and capacity is God’s good purpose to those who love Him
Ephesians 1:11; 3:11 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... This was according to the eternal PURPOSE that He has realised in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• God’s great purpose which was once hidden is now revealed to us in Christ. God calls us to consider the greatness of God’s great purpose for the eternal ages to come. He invites us to be part and take our place in His amazing purpose!
Isaiah 14:24; 27 The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have PURPOSED, so it will stand” …. For the LORD Almighty has PURPOSED, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?
• Whatever God plans can not be changed or altered. What has been spoken stands as divine and Truth. Once it has been declared it can not be taken back. His Word will not return back void and empty. His purposes are His good plans that will bring Him alone glory. There is simply no wisdom, no insight and no plan that can succeed against our God.
Ultimately, letting go of our plans to take hold of God’s purposes is to be our constant objective. No matter how good or amazing our plans are, they will simple never measure up or exceed God’s perfect purposes. Good is always the enemy of God’s best. For He can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask, think or imagine!
