Waiting on the LORD

“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23, NKJV)

When the Pilgrims set out from Holland to the New World, do you think they had any idea what challenges lie ahead? Their destination was Virginia, but they landed in Massachusetts. More than half of their company died in that first winter. Yet they also met Squanto, an English-speaking Native American who taught them how to plant corn, where to fish and hunt beaver.

We make our plans, but God directs our steps, and His ways are not our ways. God anointed David to be king over all Israel, but David could have never known what circumstances would occur to get him there. As David fought against Saul’s son Ishbosheth, David’s house grew stronger and Saul’s house grew weaker. Yet eleven tribes of Israel still felt loyal to the house of Saul. An indiscretion on the part of Abner, Ishbosheth’s general, led to division between Abner and Ishbosheth. Abner vowed to give the kingdom to David. He sought to make an agreement with David, but David would only agree if Abner brought David’s first wife Michal, whom Saul had given to another man. Abner used his influence to persuade the elders of Israel to make David their king, for the LORD had promised that by David’s hand He would rescue Israel from the Philistines and other enemies.

As we are God’s workmanship, we can be certain that God is using circumstances to shape us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29) and to fulfill His purpose. We may not understand why certain things occur, but we can always seek His mercy, wisdom and guidance in the process.