Bright Ideas

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

“So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go into my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” Genesis 16:2

It is easy to read and re-read this account of Sarai and her desire to have a child of her own and know that this is not the way God wanted things done. But, then I have to remember my own bright ideas that were my way of manipulating the outcome I thought was best for me. To see others’ bright ideas as not so bright is easy. Seeing our own bright ideas as disobedience is another story. I’ve done it and I know you have, too. This is another reason why grace is so amazing. Even when I make decisions that are not in God’s plan for me He is able to work them out. This does not give permission but gives comfort when we have moved ahead of God or taken matters into our hands. There is always forgiveness. There is always a way that things will turn out for good to those who love God and are called to His purposes and yes, there may be consequences. Yet we are never out of God’s reach.

Psalm 139:8 says, “If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.” I believe this is where the phrase ‘You’ve made your bed now lay in it’ came from? But the Bible doesn’t say that. The Bible says in my own words –“You’ve made your bed in a really bad place but I am with you still.”

So, has your bright idea backfired? Are you in a place you did not expect to find yourself? God IS with you! Talk to him about your bright idea and how it failed miserably. Allow him to speak to you on what you need to do next and be obedient to what you know God wants you to do now. He is still there.

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy’s on staff at America’s Keswick in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 28 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday school and Bible studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.