"The Requirements of God's Plan"

Part 2: The Requirements of God's Plan

Embracing and walking in God's distinct and declared plan requires certain responses from us. There are three necessary steps for individuals to align with God's plan. First among these requirements is surrender. This involves being willing to submit to God's plans. The example of Gideon shows surrender required laying aside his own plans, goals, dreams, and will. Starting with a large army, Gideon saw his force drastically reduced according to God's instruction, impacting his rank and crushing his pride. This experience taught him the battle was not about him, his army, or even the enemy, but about the Lord. A key realization is that life itself is not centered on our plans or ourselves, but "about the Lord and His perfect will". 

Following surrender, the second requirement is submission. True surrender naturally leads to true submission to God's plan. For God's plan to succeed, Gideon and his remaining 300 men had to submit, even watching as 22,000, then 9,700 men departed with their resources. Obedience to God's specific plan for the battle was essential; without it, survival was impossible. This underscores that aligning with God's will demands active obedience, even when it seems counter-intuitive from a human perspective. 

Lastly, steadfastness is a requirement. This can be challenging for many people. Walking in God's plan demands not just initial surrender and submission, but a persistent commitment to follow through.