We make our plans, and God establishes our way

Hebrews 13:23-25 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you all. We learn a few things about the author from today’s verse. It is believed the letter was written in the second half of 63 or the beginning of 64. He was probably in Rome, where it is believed Timothy was imprisoned for a time. Since he mentioned in his request for prayer that he would be restored to them, the author also may have been imprisoned in Rome at the time of writing this letter. We learn that he was hoping to be released as well and travel with Timothy to see them. He closes with a greeting to the entire Hebrew community. My takeaway from this verse is that we make our plans, but God establishes our steps. That’s how living to love with Jesus is. We must approach the days of our lives humbly, with open hands. As James wrote, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” As we walk with Jesus each day, we can trust that He will set the course for us. We only have today, and the greatest confidence we have that we will make it to the end in faith is to abide in Him now, today. That doesn’t mean we don’t make plans, but we trust God to lay out our course. So today, you probably have plans, and I hope you embrace Jesus’ purpose of loving with the Father those the Father gives Him. Receive well those He puts in your path, and then look to Him for grace to love them—for their highest good and greatest benefit. What better way is there to finish an appeal such as we have received from this letter than to say, “Grace be with you all.” I can’t think of one. If we are going to respond to any appeal to bring glory to God, the only way it is possible is through the grace of God. It is a wish or prayer that we know will be answered to all those who truly believe and seek God, knowing He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Will you join me in prayer as we close the book of Hebrews? Father in heaven, we worship You and draw near to You through the powerful work You have accomplished on our behalf through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We want to show our gratitude to You for bringing us into Your unshakable kingdom. We seek Your face for the grace we need to love whoever You put in our paths today, for Your glory. May your grace be with us all. Amen. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.