Purpose, Plans, & the Power of the Holy Spirit

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

God moves on an eternal time table that is not always readily evident to His people. He works within seasons, and time frames for His own purposes. And yet, He is also a God of the suddenly. Don't be surprised when in a certain season, out-of-the-blue, comes one of God's suddenly-s.

When a suddenly occurs, it may be a bit of a shock but don't let it take you by surprise. Have you ever jumped into a pool on a summer's day? The cold water is shocking but you are not surprised by it.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

It is right and good to plan. It is necessary for it gives direction and allows you to set priorities. However, yield some white space on your agenda for the purpose of God to prevail. This may mean you have to readjust from time to time. (See Monday's post Plan B.)

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, Says the lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Zerubbabel is representative of a person chosen by God, from whose yielded nature God causes to flow life, leadership,and ministry. In this verse, might refers to military strength, and power refers to one's own ability. But spirit is the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer who yields to the purposes of God.

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)

We should never look to physical strength, political power or our own personal ability to carry out God's purpose in His kingdom. At this present time His kingdom is an invisible, spiritual kingdom. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is within you. " (Luke 17:21)

In this season, at this time, and for His purposes - go ahead and plan, yield to his prevailing will and do it all in the power of the Holy Spirit.