Help Wanted

James had unwrapped all of his birthday presents except one. It was a small truck that had a bubble of plastic over it that was sealed to a piece of cardboard. He tried desperately to separate the plastic from the cardboard but had no success. Initially he thought he could separate the two by trying to slip his small finger nail between them. But his nail was too short. Then he tried to carefully squeeze the plastic to see if it would “open up” enough space for him to get his hand on the truck. That plan failed, too. Then he put the plastic bubble on the table and pushed on the cardboard thinking that was the solution. Frustrated, he looked at the little truck with longing eyes. It was a prize that became more valuable each time he tried to unwrap it.

Then he looked up at his Dad and asked, “What can I do to get my truck out of the box?”

“Well,” said his Dad, “you could ask for help.”

Every plan that James tried failed. They all seemed sensible to him, but when he tried to make them work nothing happened. Then he lifted his eyes and found someone who would help him successfully achieve his goal.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” is worth accepting and applying. We may design detailed, thorough plans to reach our goals, but when we attempt to make them work in our own strength, we become frustrated and discouraged when they fail. It’s better to include the Lord in the planning stage and then work with Him until they are fulfilled.

Prayer:  Lord, we all want to succeed in everything we do. May we always include You from the beginning to the end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.