It is the natural desire of man to know and control events in his life in order to secure his future.
Our generation has been heavily influenced by positive thinking self help gurus who advocate that man can achieve anything that he sets his mind to do. This thought process encourages man to influence the circumstances of his life in order to achieve his desires.
This requires a forward looking vision, one in which man visualises his desired outcome and by applying his “knowledge of good and evil” take decisions in order to avoid outcomes that he perceives as negative in order to attain his desired result.
By doing so man attempts to shape the circumstances of his life in order to achieve his vision – to establish his kingdom.
This thought process has man sitting on the throne of his own destiny.
However, the scripture tells us that the future belongs to the Almighty God and that it is His purpose that will be established.
…I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
Isaiah 46:9-10
This suggests that man is unable to influence the situation in which he finds himself and is unable to change the providential arrangement of God. Rather than man sitting on the throne of his destiny it is the Almighty God who holds the future in His hands.
Therefore instead of attempting to shape our circumstances in order to obtain our own desires it would be better for us to shape our desires to suit the providence and will of the Almighty God.
This requires a change in the direction of our vision.
Instead of looking into the future and applying our knowledge of good and evil in order to establish our own kingdom vision, we should enter into the future looking backwards into our past. Doing so focuses our eyes on the faithfulness of the promises of our Almighty God. This increased focus on Him shapes our desires so that we can humbly say “not my will but yours be done”.
Hereby we remove ourselves from His throne, becoming His tools by which He can advance His Kingdom.
This concept is basic to the First Commandment.
