Pride is what separates us from God. It is a humble heart that leads us in faith. Humility is what grows and strengthens our plans. Accepting His guidance can be one of the hardest things we learn to do, because we are so proud. However, it is in our acceptance of being still that we are able to quiet the distractions the world hurls at us and then are able to hear God’s guidance. Until we are able to surrender our plans to God we will continue to toil with the discontent of the world. We will be doomed to not find peace and comfort in our circumstances. Likewise, we are not to live in guilt for our inability to maintain perfection. We are meant to harness love as our main means of existence. It is through love that we are able to rid ourselves of pride and better detect evil when it is present. Through God’s approval of our life even our enemies will be at peace with us.
The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
Proverbs 16:5-7 NIV
In our surrender of what the world tells us we should want and do we are able to gain our whole life. We are able to find much in little. The greatest paradox of our life is that we are made strong in our weakness. (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10) We cannot plan our way out of weakness. We are stronger when we embrace it. We must hold onto this promise as it will guide us in all the plans we set forth to do. Although we may be able to create plans for our lives it does not mean that those plans will make us able to live. It is in our surrender that we truly live. Knowing our plans are not our own is where freedom in living is gained. As disciples of God we are leaders. We have sway and influence for all those around us. We must be good leaders that motivate not only by what we say but by what we do. God cares deeply for our honesty in all our works. Our business will always be His business.
Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. The lips of a king speak as an oracle and his mouth does not betray justice. Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Proverbs 16:8-11 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Where do you have pride in your life? Write down all the areas of your life you have the most fear. This is most likely where your pride is hiding.
- Do you feel peace and comfort in all the decisions you make? Write down what surrender of your plans would look like. Peace and comfort come after surrender.
A Story of Pride:
When I had my first child I was bold and confident. Confident that I could handle whatever happened because women have been having children for centuries. I prepared for natural childbirth. I ate well and continued to exercise. I told myself I was training for labor. My midwife had compared it to running a marathon.
When it came time for labor it was 2 ½ weeks early. It was completely unexpected. I did not feel ready. I could not believe it was actually time. I thought I had more time. My contractions were mild but present. When we finally made it to the hospital I knew we would meet our little one soon. Labor continued and it got to the point that I was advised what to do next. It is my biggest regret that I did not trust in God guiding me any further, but rather looked to human guidance. Through the rest of my labor I muscled my way through the pain of pushing. What had been so peaceful turned to anguish for 2 hours.
What I learned from my first labor was that I could not trust in myself alone. I was not meant to do such a difficult thing by myself. The only way to go through labor was to trust in God and consult in His guidance through the entire affair. Since my first labor I have had 3 more children. My births have been so wonderful since learning to surrender pride and not muscle my way through such an intense time. I have felt God’s presence in all of my labors and felt relief of the anguish that labor can be.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
