Have you ever heard someone refer to their plans and say, “Lord willing”? That concept came from today’s text. There are times when we make plans and the Lord blesses them. There are other times when we make plans and the Lord changes them. In today’s text the Apostle Paul deals with the will of God in such a way that we understand that we don’t always get our way even when we have plans of good will. We also see another application of the will of God in our being commanded to cooperate with His will.

Read carefully the five commands from the pen of the Apostle Paul…
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14, NKJV.

These five commands are unquestionably in the will of God. Yet we can resist, ignore and even rebel against God’s will. But the Apostleurges us to, instead of rebel, submit to God’s will by obeying these five commands.

Read these commands over in a few different translations for a broader perspective…

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14, NIV.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14, ESV.

“Keep your eyes open, hold tight toyour convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.”

1 Corinthians 16:13, 14, Message.

Understand that God may sometimes change your plans.

And always be ready and willing to rearrange your plans to fit His will.

Pastor Mike