“It’s What He Wants!”

Scripture: “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” –Proverbs 19:21, NIV

As I begin today’s message, I am reminded of one of the greatest institutions in life: relationships. Within this particular realm, we find discussions, arguments, “heated fellowship”, and other things. These things usually occur because two parties are trying to get what he/she wants out of the deal. If the man needs a suit, but his woman/wife wants some perfume, eight times out of ten, that man will get that woman the perfume she desires. Why? Because he realizes that it isn’t about him, but it’s about what the woman wants. If you are a father/mother and you needed some work clothes, but your child needed some shoes for his/her sports activity, you would get the shoes for your child. Why? Because you realize that it isn’t about you, but it’s about what the child wants/needs! Well, ladies and gentlemen, in the same light, God wants you to understand that it’s not about what you want, but it’s about what He wants from you! Today’s main scripture will provide clarity on such a profound statement.

Today’s book of focus is the book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon. Within this book of sayings, wisdom, and clichés, we find Solomon’s understanding of what we mean in today’s title. He begins the text with this thought: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart”. If truth be told, we all have plans right now! We have plans to spend Thanksgiving with our family! We have plans to eat dinner with our spouses and/or children! We have plans to move throughout today and attend meetings and classes! We have plans to serve God in the ways that are pleasing to US! We have plans to go to church when WE want to go! The question I ask you at this juncture of the message, “Are your plans God’s plans?” Are the things you plan what God wants you to do?

Just in case they are not, let the remainder of today’s scripture minister to you. Solomon tells us in the latter portion of the text this: “but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” In other words, it’s what God wants! Though you are fine sitting on your butt listening to God’s Word, it might be God’s purpose for you to preach/teach His Word! Though you may be fine singing in the congregation at church, it might be God’s purpose for you to sing in God’s choirs! I recall some six-plus years ago that I had my agenda of serving God as a church clerk, a trustee, the President of the Usher’s Ministry, and as a Sunday School teacher. One Sunday morning, God dropped the scales from my eyes, took His “Q-Tip” and cleaned my ears, and allowed me to understand that His purpose for me was for me to preach His Word and continue to be an encouragement to the body of Christ! On March 12, 2006, I began walking in the purpose God had for me! Others of you can reflect on a moment as such, but at the end of the day, whether you bring your running to a screeching halt or continuously run, God’s purpose will prevail in your life! Here’s a promise I can guarantee: When you accept God’s purpose for your life and walk in it, there are SO MANY BLESSINGS readily available for you! You’ll see favor follow you in a manner where you would say, “Why didn’t I follow His purpose for me earlier?”

In closing, it’s important to recognize the needs and wants of your mate, your spouse, or your family. Though you may want something, your immediate family (mother, father, daughter, son, wife, husband, etc.) may need it or want it worse than you! In this same light, God wants you to know that it is not about what you want, but it’s about what He wants! When you understand that His purpose for you will prevail, then you have taken the lid off of captivity and you begin to walk in the purpose of power and anointing! Are you ready to get what God has for you? If so, just follow His purpose and will for your life!