Established Steps
A Green Letter Devotional
Established Steps
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
“Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42 (ESV)
In the pursuit of meaningful work and impactful living, we often find ourselves mapping out goals, building strategies, and striving for success. Yet Scripture gently reminds us that while planning is wise, true establishment comes when we commit our work to the Lord.
Proverbs 16:3 invites us to begin each task with surrender—offering our work not merely for results, but for God’s glory. When we align our efforts with His purposes, He steadies our path. Then, as verse 9 echoes, we are free to plan with diligence, knowing that God sovereignly directs each step we take.
This doesn’t mean passivity—it means partnership. And it calls for trust. Trust that even when outcomes look different than we expected, they are still under His control. What happens, whether success or setback, is part of His perfect plan and purpose for our growth, our witness, and His glory.
Jesus Himself showed us how to walk this out. In the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the suffering ahead, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” His surrender wasn’t resignation—it was full, courageous trust in the Father’s plan. If our Savior entrusted His path to the Father, how much more can we?
Reflection:
Am I committing my work to the Lord or simply asking Him to bless what I’ve already decided? Am I trusting the outcomes—even the unexpected ones—as part of His plan? What would it look like for me to pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” in my work today?
Prayer:
Lord, I offer You my plans and my work. Align my heart with Yours and guide every step I take. Thank You for caring about the details of my life and for faithfully establishing what matters most. Help me trust not only in Your guidance, but also in the outcomes—knowing that what happens is not random but part of Your sovereign plan. May I echo Jesus’ words: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Amen.