REMARKABLY GREAT OUTCOMES

By: Dennis Harworth

God has a designed plan for each and every one of us this year.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know what to expect?  Since we have never lived or experienced 2026 before, we are going to have to wholeheartedly trust God to direct our paths for what is ahead. (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Thankfully, God speaks to us and shows us things to come. (John 16:13).  It is not always in specific detail, but enough to help us take inventory – where He has brought us from, what He has taught us, and how He is preparing our hearts to apply what we have learned.  Then if we choose God’s plan for our lives, we will get to enjoy life in its absolute fullness.

God wants to anoint us to move forward in ways we have never gone before.  Unfortunately, many times, we base what we think are God’s plans solely on past experiences.  Instead, we must listen to the wisdom of Solomon: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).  In the Amplified Bible it says, He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].  Strong’s Concordance tells us the Hebrew word for “direct” means to be straight or even; figurative to be right, pleasant, prosperous.  (This should encourage us to trust the Lord for our life choices). 

Almighty God knows what is best for us.  It might not feel like it in the midst of difficulties or hardships.  But if we totally trust, depend, and acknowledge Him through it all, the results will be far greater than we could have imagined beyond our wildest dreams.  Notice the blessings of God are conditional on us doing our part.  When we do, and put Him first, God always comes through with great blessings.

We find examples of this throughout the Bible.  Take Ruth for example.  Her life was not turning out how she thought it would.  She lost her husband, became a poor widow in a foreign land, and had no hope for her future.  But she trusted the God of Israel and stayed with Naomi.  As a result of her faith, God blessed her life.  She married Boaz, who redeemed her from poverty, and was placed directly in the lineage of Jesus Christ by becoming the great-grandmother of King David.

Moses trusted God despite feelings of inadequacy, faced powerful opposition, and repeated setbacks and discouragement.  Yet God used him to deliver the entire Hebrew nation, reveal God’s Law and establish His lasting covenant.  Moses is often called the greatest leader in the world.

Without knowing any details where he was going, 75-year-old Abraham trusted the Lord to leave everything behind to the land I will show you. (Genesis 12:1).  Although it took decades for a child, he believed God that his descendants would be too many to count.  For this the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6).  The ultimate test of trust was when God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son (Genesis 22:2).  Abraham trusted God so deeply that he became known as “the father of faith” (Romans 4:16).

Maybe you are experiencing some of these tough times and need directions to get on your straight and smooth path in life.  Let the examples from these heroes of faith encourage you to trust, depend, and acknowledge the Lord to direct you.  God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).  He will always keep His promises because it is impossible for Him to lie (Hebrews 6:18).  What He did for Ruth, Moses, and Abraham, He will do for you.  Therefore, make a choice this year to trust God no matter what the circumstances are and He will bless you with REMARKABLY GREAT OUTCOMES!