GODs PLAN needs no HELPING HAND

It always amazes me when I come across past blogs, letters, or emails that were written by me or to me when I was in prison. It is nothing short of amazing for me to read words that have come to full fruition in my life today. It reinforces how God's grace has directed my every step and how His plan doesn't need a helping hand. The thoughts below were written three years ago:------------Recently the Press of Atlantic City did a feature story highlighting my journey in prison. The author wrote, "Whether it's intentional or not, he appeared to be setting himself up for a successful career in writing or public speaking after he is released...."They might be right, but man can't set himself up for anything, (especially in prison), for it is God who establishes according to His purpose. Trust me, I tried to set myself up for many successes in the past, but look at me now. Prison. Certainly not intentional, but it happened.When I read the Press article, the word 'intentional' instantly caught my eye, which resulted in a smile to my soul. You see, I had been studying the biblical word--purpose--that has "intentional" as a part of its definition. The Greek word for 'purpose' is "prothesis" and it means "to have an intentional plan laid out beforehand like a blue print."  But this type of purpose can only be perfected when the plan is directed by God's counsel.  Thus, contrary to man's hypothesis is God's 'prothesis'.  A hypothesis is "an assumption made especially in order to test its logical or empirical consequences."Basically, man assumes and then tests to see the results with their original plan. God however, knows the results and tests the man to bring the man to His intentional plan--"Being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11).I don't know everything, but one thing I do know is this: You can run from God's purpose until you're blue in the face, but you will eventually and intentionally find yourself in His blueprint one way or another.  It's clearly deliberately determined.  And when you obey, success follows. So, in a humble conclusion to this prothesis, I'm certainly no writer nor speaker, but Gods' dispensation of grace makes both talents fall right into place.In due time....In His time.

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