Between Plans and Promises

What’s the difference between having a plan and having something promised?

Usually, we all have some idea of what we want to do in life—plans that, in our own minds, already seem determined and that we hope to see fulfilled.

For example, some people plan to have a big family, pursue a certain career, buy a house, or drive a specific car model. There are so many things we plan for ourselves—but sometimes, even when we get them, things still go wrong.

Let’s take the example of family: sometimes we focus more on the outward appearance of the person we choose as a partner, and we overlook their character. Imagine planning to have children with someone who has poor character—just because they look good.

In one way or another, many of us are focused on a plan we have determined for ourselves.

That’s where doubt starts to take root:

Why me? Why do bad things always happen to me? Why doesn’t anything go right, even when I do everything correctly?

That’s why the Bible teaches:

“But this man, whose genealogy is not derived from them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.” (Hebrews 7:6)

At this point, Abraham had already done many great things—he had just won a major battle. He had defeated seven kingdoms and, from a human perspective, one could say he “deserved” some kind of reward for his achievements.

But why didn’t Abraham accept the wealth from the king of Sodom?

After the battle, the king of Sodom offered Abraham the riches of seven kingdoms—but Abraham refused.

“He blessed him who had the promises.”

Abraham understood that God was with him, and he did not consider human proposals because he was already living by the promises. In other words, he gave up his own plans to follow God’s promises—which were far greater than the treasures of seven kingdoms.

And that’s where the problem lies for many of us: We don’t stop to consider what God already has for us—because we are too willing to follow our own will instead of His.

Life in the faith is about living from trial to trial. That means there will be moments when we must deny ourselves and sacrifice. Spiritual awareness tells us that we must do our part and express our faith in the midst of the trial.

For example, someone may look attractive to us or treat us well—but in those moments, we need to reflect and ask: Is what is being offered to me from God, or is it a proposal or plan I’m pursuing outside of His will?

A plan represents the proposal we accept outside of God’s will. But the promises represent everything abundant that God gives us—such as forgiveness and repentance, which are necessary to receive salvation.