As Christians, we often pray for God's guidance and wisdom in our decision-making processes. However, there are times when God may seem to be destroying our plans, even when we have prayed for His blessing. In this sermon, we will explore biblical examples of when God destroyed someone's plans, and what we can learn from these experiences.
Example 1: Jonah's Plan to Run from God (Jonah 1:1-3)
Jonah, a prophet of God, was instructed to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. However, Jonah had other plans. He decided to run from God and boarded a ship sailing in the opposite direction. But God had other plans. He sent a great storm that threatened to destroy the ship, and Jonah was eventually thrown overboard.
In this example, God destroyed Jonah's plan to run from Him, and instead, He used the experience to redirect Jonah's path. We learn that when we try to run from God's plans, He may intervene and destroy our own plans to bring us back on track.
Example 2: Paul's Plan to Go to Asia (Acts 16:6-10)
The apostle Paul had planned to preach the gospel in Asia, but God had other plans. The Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from entering Asia, and instead, they received a vision to go to Macedonia.
In this example, God destroyed Paul's plan to go to Asia, and instead, He redirected him to a more fruitful ministry in Macedonia. We learn that when we are flexible and open to God's leading, He may change our plans to achieve a greater purpose.
Example 3: David's Plan to Build a Temple (1 Chronicles 17:1-15)
King David had planned to build a temple for God, but God had other plans. Through the prophet Nathan, God told David that he would not be the one to build the temple, but his son Solomon would.
In this example, God destroyed David's plan to build the temple, not because it was a bad plan, but because it was not part of God's timing. We learn that when we make plans, we must also be willing to submit them to God's timing and sovereignty.
What Can We Learn from These Examples?
God's plans are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). When God destroys our plans, it may be because He has something better in store for us.
God's timing is perfect (Psalm 31:15). When God delays or destroys our plans, it may be because His timing is not yet ripe.
God's sovereignty is over all (Romans 11:36). When God destroys our plans, it may be because He is working out a larger purpose that we cannot see.
Conclusion
When God destroys our plans, it can be frustrating and confusing. However, as we see from these biblical examples, God's destruction of our plans may be a blessing in disguise. By submitting our plans to God's sovereignty and timing, we can trust that He is working out a greater purpose for our good and His glory.
