Proverbs 16:33

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about decision making:

Proverbs 16:33 (ESV)

The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the LORD.

 We can make all the plans but it is God who determines their success and completion. Proverbs 16:1,3,4,9,33. We can make sure we have planned out a life for God (and these verses show we should), but it will be God who makes our decisions and our plans come to fruition. We should always plan but rejoice and relax as God works out the actual life we live.   Too many times we get worried about "our" plans not working out.   The "death of a vision" in our lives can be traumatic ... when we envision something for us or our family and/or friends and it doesn't work out.   God sometimes has other plans for us than our hearts and minds have imagined.  This is why it is so important to make sure our hearts are in tune with His.   Than, no matter what happens we can be happy because we realize what He wanted always comes out.  However, as this proverb teaches, God's sovereignty does not rule out or nullify our participation.  We still cast the lot.  We still take the chance.  We still make the plans.   The casting of the lot had to do with a decision initiated by man.   He wasn't sure what to do so he "rolled" the dice to see what God would like.   We still are moving.   But, God is directing.   Like jumping in a boat on the river we take the plunge but all the current of God's sovereign rule to carry us.