Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. – Proverbs 19:21

Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that they sold him into slavery. They could not have imagined that the Lord would use that heinous act to bring them to safety years later during the seven-year famine. Joseph’s father, Jacob (now named Israel), would come with his sons and their families to Egypt – all 70 of them – to be fed by the brother they sold (Genesis 45:4-8). After Joseph’s death, a new king arose over Egypt who did not know of Joseph, and who became unsettled because the people of Israel had multiplied in number and strength. He set taskmasters over the people hoping to curb the growth of their population, but it did not work (Exodus 1:8-12).

These are two illustrations where human minds intended one thing, but God’s purpose had the opposite effect. Regardless of the plans of the ungodly, you can count on the Lord to carry out His good and moral will. God is able to cancel out a human’s plans, either by disrupting them or by changing their results. Proverbs encourages you to “listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future… The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied” (Proverbs 19:20-23). You will learn to love what God loves and to hate what He hates. Then your plans will be according to God’s purpose.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). You can know God’s purpose for you, but you must be aware of His guidance. Pray now for those who make decisions for this country to tune their hearts with God’s leading.