Determination

“A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Toddlers’ size and shape learning toys help them form and sharpen skills needed later in life. Remember the little wooden workbench with holes, cylindrical pegs, and a wooden hammer? Imagine a child trying to hammer a square block into a round hole or force a puzzle piece into the wrong spot. Frustration mounts, but no help is needed because the little one wants to do it alone. Determination to follow through the wrong way could result in a damaged or ruined toy.

The point? As adults, we, too, try to force square blocks into round holes. We set our goals, make plans accordingly, and then we busy ourselves making them happen—even if our way is wrong. Forcing the desire of your heart into a place where it doesn’t belong can be exhausting. Although weary from the struggle, you continue forging ahead because you know what you want and will not settle for less. You may accomplish your task, but not without leaving something or someone marred, scarred, or broken along the way.

Confidence in what you are doing is reasonable, but self-confidence can also be harmful. There are times you will know God’s will and confidently walk in it. Other times you will not. Approach those days with: If the Lord wills, I will do this or that. Otherwise, you are boasting about your plans and abilities, plans that are under the guise of God’s will. Such boasting is evil (James 4:15–16). The solution? Allow the Lord to direct your steps; He alone knows what tomorrow holds, and His way is always best. The result? Your actions will honor God, bless others, and advance God’s kingdom work.