Making Plans
John Newton emphasizes the importance of making plans while remaining open to God's will and guidance in our lives.
In August 1778, John Newton writes to a friend, expressing the uncertainties of life and the importance of aligning our plans with God's will, referencing James 4:13. He emphasizes the need to seek God's glory and our good in all our endeavors, acknowledging that only through God's will can true satisfaction and contentment be found. Newton urges for prayers for their upcoming meeting, highlighting the futility of pursuing empty endeavors without God's guidance and blessing.
Text
August, 1778.
Dear Sir,
If the Lord affords health; if the weather be tolerable; if no unforeseen change takes place; if no company comes in upon me to-night, (which sometimes unexpectedly happens,) with these provisos, Mr. S**** and I have engaged to travel to **** on Monday next, and hope to be with you by or before eleven o'clock.
In such a precarious world, it is needful to form our plans at two days' distance, with precaution and exceptions, James 4:13. However, if it be the Lord's will to bring us together, and if the purposed interview be for his glory and our good, then I am sure nothing shall prevent it. And who in his right wits would wish either to visit or be visited upon any other terms? O! if we could but be pleased with his will, we might be pleased from morning to night, and every day in the year.
Pray for a blessing upon our coming together. It would be a pity to walk ten miles to pick straws, or to come with our empty vessels upon our heads, saying, "We have found no water."
I am, &c.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The importance of making plans
- Recognizing the uncertainty of life
- Scriptural basis for planning (James 4:13)
-
II
- The role of God's will in our plans
- Trusting in divine providence
- The necessity of prayer in planning
-
III
- The attitude we should have towards God's will
- Finding peace in acceptance
- Living with a heart aligned to God's purposes
-
IV
- The danger of rigid plans
- Flexibility in our commitments
- Being open to divine interruptions
-
V
- The joy of fellowship under God's guidance
- Seeking mutual encouragement
- The significance of shared faith in plans
Key Quotes
“In such a precarious world, it is needful to form our plans at two days' distance, with precaution and exceptions.” — John Newton
“If the purposed interview be for his glory and our good, then I am sure nothing shall prevent it.” — John Newton
“O! if we could but be pleased with his will, we might be pleased from morning to night, and every day in the year.” — John Newton
Application Points
- Always approach your plans with prayer, inviting God's guidance.
- Stay flexible and open to changes in your plans, trusting in God's greater purpose.
- Seek to align your intentions with God's will for true peace and fulfillment.