“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
—Proverbs 19:21
Introduction:
Reflecting on two decades of not just teaching, but also sharing faith and life experiences, I’ve realized a crucial aspect of spiritual communication. Our words about God often have impacts far different from what we might expect, an observation that holds true in all forms of communication and all situations. We are going one direction and we find out that God is headed to the same place on a different road.
The Unpredictability of Spiritual Communication:
When we speak of God, share a biblical lesson, or offer spiritual guidance, we have certain hopes for how our words will be received. I always have an exact path I’m taking people on theologically. Yet, individuals absorb and interpret these messages uniquely, influenced by their personal journeys with God. And we have no idea what that map looks like. This unpredictability is a fundamental aspect of communicating faith.
God’s Hand in Our Words:
In every effort to communicate about God, there’s a deeper, divine raod map at play. We might plan and articulate our messages with specific intentions, but it is God who ultimately steers these messages to resonate in the hearts of the listeners in ways we might not foresee.
Broadening Our Perspective:
It’s crucial to recognize that God works through our words in mysterious ways. This insight is essential not only for educators but for anyone engaged in spiritual dialogue.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
—Proverbs 16:9
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.”
—Proverbs 21:1
