Proverbs 16:9:A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.
American college and professional football teams have a group of coaches observing the game in a booth situated high above the playing field. These coaches have the advantage of seeing the entire field of play and can clearly see how the opposing team responds to the individual plays of their game plan. Because of their high position, they are able to send valuable information to the head coach on the field. This allows him to change the tactics (plays) as necessary to achieve the objective of the game plan…to win.
God is the Ultimate Coach. He has total control and a “game plan” for your life from beginning to end (sovereignty). He uses the events of your life to execute that plan (providence). The plan involves you, but is not exclusively about you. Your life impacts others and has the potential to glorify His name.
The life of Joseph (Genesis 37 – 50) is a perfect illustration of this point, although much of his life was filled with difficult times. From the age of 17 to 30, he was hated by his brothers, sold as a slave, falsely accused of attempted rape, and given up as dead by his family. But the pain of those 13 years was offset by the fact that God was preparing him for the next stage of his life. Because God was with him in the midst of slavery and imprisonment, Joseph was able to hone his skills as an administrator. So at the proper time, Joseph was in a position to save his family from a famine that had made its way through the entire region.
God’s plan for Joseph not only involved him, but the people he touched. This plan did not begin with Joseph’s birth, but was foretold to Abram 200 years earlier (Genesis 15:12 – 14). It even involved Moses and the Exodus 400 years later.
Do you sometimes feel that life is just out of control? Have things happened in your life that
seemingly makes no sense and you don’t have any answers for? Are you frustrated by your
current situation and can’t seem to get out of it? Are you suffering the consequences of a past decision and think that there is no way God can use you now?
God sees the entire “field of play” for your life. As His child, He will guide you and direct the
events of your life to achieve His plan. You do not live in isolation and He is not surprised by
anything. If you can’t see or understand the “why” of your life, trust in the Ultimate Coach who established the “game plan” before you were even born.