ODJ: relinquish control
June 15, 2011
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps (v.9).
READ: Proverbs 16:1-9
When I originally met the little Ugandan boy who eventually became my son, my goal was simply to keep him alive. After he overcame malnutrition and recovered from a long list of diseases, however, my dreams for his life quickly became bigger.
For example, the first time my son—as a mere 5-year-old—petted a horse, I immediately visualized him becoming the first Ugandan to win an Olympic gold medal in equestrian sports. Since then, I’ve imagined my adopted child being everything from a professional athlete to a world leader. I want him to have the richest experiences, to achieve academic and professional success, to be deeply loved, to live a life of service, to be a devoted husband and father, and to walk with Jesus Christ all of his days.
After hearing of my lofty hopes and expectations for my son, my friend Kim gently reminded me that in terms of future career and all, I need to respect my son’s personal desires and goals even if they don’t line up with mine. And, more importantly, I need to encourage my son to seek God’s agenda for his life, rather than pressure him to fulfill mine (Proverbs 16:1).
Taking Kim’s exhortation to heart, I dug into Scripture to better understand how I can align my goals for my son with God’s. Following are a few insights I gained:
• Parents can make plans, but God will determine their children’s steps (v.9).
• The most foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest plan we could ever conjure up for our children (1 Corinthians 1:25).
• Children are God’s masterpieces—not ours, and they’re created for His purposes (Proverbs 1:4; Ephesians 2:10).
Let’s commit our children and their plans to God—knowing that He’s the only One who can help them truly succeed (Proverbs 16:3). —Roxanne Robbins
How do you need to change your view of planning in light of God’s wisdom? How will you help your children make plans that honor Him?
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