I recently heard from a young lady who was disturbed over a conversation she had with a close friend the night before. This friend was considering becoming involved with a young man who showed an intense interest in her, even though she confessed that she hadn't asked the Lord for His wisdom or guidance. She was also making plans to further her education, and to even travel abroad for a period of time to do so. When the young woman who wrote me tried to impress upon her friend that she needed to consult the Lord before she made such important decisions, this friend stated that she believed that as long as she kept God in mind and had good intentions, she could make her own decisions, and then ask the Lord for His blessing.

I told this lady that she had good reason to be concerned about her friend. I shared some verses with her, including Psalm 32:8-9 (NLT): "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'" These Scriptures, and many others, reveal that God wants to be our Guide, and that He wants us to follow His lead, so that He can give us His very best in every situation and circumstance. Before we even showed up on planet earth, the Lord had good plans for us, and He longs to help us fulfill our God-given purpose and potential. (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:15-16, Psalm 138:8) But even though the Lord has awesome things in store for us, we can live our entire lives without receiving them. How? By acting like "a senseless mule," as the verse above states. This is rebellion, pure and simple. Christians who live this way want to make their own plans, and then ask the Lord to bless them. This would make them the leader and God the follower. This will never work, and will result in disaster for those of us who choose to live this way. Yes, we can choose to go our own way, and to do our own thing--but we will despise the results. Worst of all, when our own plans bring us to ruin, we will often blame God. It's a sad truth that, "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord." (Proverbs 19:3 NLT)

I like the way the Message Bible translates Jesus' words in Luke 9:23: "Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You're not in the driver's seat--I am." Throughout the Gospels, the Master makes it clear that those who want to be His true followers must allow Him to sit on the throne of their lives, which is His rightful place. Unfortunately, most Christians are content to make Christ their Savior, but they are reluctant to submit to His Lordship. They basically say to Jesus, "You can save my soul, but my life is my own." How sad that these people will never experience the supernatural, abundant, resurrection life that Christ died to give them.

Jesus said, "I do nothing without consulting the Father." (John 5:30 NLT) The Amplified translation makes the Savior's intentions even clearer by stating: "I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me." (John 5:30 AMP) We are called to become Christlike, and therefore, it is our duty and privilege to consult our God about every decision we make, and to comply with His will, no matter what that might be. Is it easy? No. But it is doable. Why? Because when we gave our life to Christ, He gave us His Holy Spirit to live on the inside of us, and to help us do the impossible.

What are your needs today? What is it that you are believing God for? Provision? Healing? Promotion? Increase? Begin speaking in faith that help is on the way, and open the door for the Lord to work mightily on your behalf!

What decisions are looming before you right now? Whatever they are, rest assured that the Lord has plans for your success. Accept His warm invitation today, as He calls to you saying--"Come, follow Me!" (Matthew 4:19)

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times that I refused Your perfect plans for my life. Cleanse me of all rebellion and stubbornness, and give me a heart like Yours. Thank You that as I seek Your will and Your wisdom for my life through prayer and the Scriptures, You will lead me in the paths of your best blessings! (James 1:5, Proverbs 3:5-6)