Si Dominus | If The Lord Permits

"For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. " — 1 Corinthians 16:7 (NIV)

In the last chapter of Paul’s 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, he wrote about his plans to visit the them (v.5-9). We notice Paul made plans but held them loosely. He submitted his plan to God. Being redirected many times by the Holy Spirit (Act 16:6-12), Paul knew it well that his mission was from God, but his plan was his own. He was stubborn on the mission, but flexible on the details.

Each of us has a mission/purpose/calling from God which will be accomplished when we die. In the meantime, we set short-term plans to fulfil the mission, like making a trajectory of life. 

Our God is a glorious Planner, so that as an image of God, we are planners as well. However as an image of God, our plans should be congruence with His plans and His can overrules ours. Paul knew it. He submitted his plan to God’s will. It was like Jesus when He was about to be crucified, saying “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42, NIV). Being flexible in our plan means we submit to God’s plan. When we are flexible for the details, God will take care of it perfectly.

Yes, it is easier to be said than done. We often know our missions, we make short-term plans, but at some point, we think we are getting nowhere. Then we get frustrated and question our mission. Actually, it’s not about the mission. It is us who keep sabotaging our mission by being inflexible to God’s plan, such as asking “what if” for every opportunity that is not in line with our thought or putting additional alternatives to what God has given us in the first place or trying to help God, like Abraham did, etc. Yes, we are being inflexible here.

Therefore brothers and sisters, let’s consider opportunities and grab ones according to God’s guidance through the Bible, Holy Spirit, Godly people, abilities/gifts/talents, signs of circumstances (Is it go or no-go?). Let’s make a choice and let the Lord guide us through it. Maybe He will redirect us, or ask us to stay for a while in some point. Just enjoy the process and the circumstances. Just be flexible.

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). God bless you 🙏

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 16:1-12 by Veralin Uneputty