Subject: When God has a BETTER PLAN!

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 7: 1 – 17

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29: 11

Objective: To encourage believers to embrace God’s plans.

Introduction: Jeremiah reminds us that God knows the plans that He has for His children. It is often said that when we make plans, God laughs. We often think or believe that the plans we have for ourselves make sense. We tend to find ourselves making plans without considering God, but God will steer our plans elsewhere so that His greater and better plan and purpose for our lives can be manifested.

1. What does God say about the plan that He has for our lives? Jeremiah 29: 11

2. David was desirous of building the Lord’s house. What was his thought? 2 Samuel 7: 1 – 3; and how did God respond through the prophet Nathan? 2 Samuel 7: 4 – 5, 8 – 9 & 12 – 13

Note: King David, upon realizing that God lived in a tent for years, while he lived in a palace, knew that something needed to be done. He had plans to build the temple, but God had a better plan in allowing David’s successor – his son Solomon – to build God’s house. When David’s plans were prevented, he accepted, adjusted and adapted to God’s design - THE BETTER PLAN!

3. What comparison was made between man’s plans and God’s plans? Isaiah 55: 8 – 9; and what else is said of both plans? Proverbs 16: 1 – 9; 19: 21 & Isaiah 14: 26 – 27

4. What was God's plan in comparison to the plan Paul had for himself? Acts 9: 1 – 16 & 20

5. God’s plan cannot be thwarted by man. How are believers reminded of this? 1 Corinthians 2: 9

Note: Trusting God’s plan can be difficult, especially when there are so many unknowns. However, we are certain that His plans are BETTER! The mystery of God’s plan is only seen and understood after its fulfilment. God does not discourage us from making plans. However, we must take into account that God may rearrange our plans for His BETTER PLAN for our lives to accomplish His will.

6. No matter what is going on in your life – the good, the bad or the ugly – God is working out a plan which has a precise timing. How is this illustrated? Psalm 18: 30; Ecclesiastes 3: 1; Romans 8: 28; Philippians 4: 19

7. While we anticipate God’s best, what are we encouraged to have? Hebrews 11: 1; and what are we encouraged to do? Proverbs 3: 5 – 6