The secret things belong to the Lord our God…” Deuteronomy 29:29
I’ll never forget the first time I read this verse. I was reading through the Bible in a year. Honestly, and I hope my hyper sensitive pastors don’t get upset with this one, but that part of Scripture reading can be difficult at times.
But, hidden in the midst of Deuteronomy is this one verse. In my version, I actually think it may have been in parenthesis. (Probably not, but it seems that way etched in my memory.)
The secret things belong to the Lord our God…”
I call this the fine print of the Christian life. And, it’s the fine print in Christian leadership.
Here’s the deal –
Make your plans.
Work your plans.
That’s simply good leadership.
I’m an advocate of strategic leadership. I don’t believe the church should run from leadership. We need it, just as does any other organization of people. God uses men and women to lead His people. You can see it throughout the Bible.
Without a vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)
In his heart a man plans his course. (Proverbs 16:9)
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost? (Luke 14:28)
Aaron and Moses were from this tribe. And they are the men the Lord spoke to and said, “Lead my people out of Israel in groups.” (Exodus 6:26)
With the best you know how to hear from God, make plans accordingly. God really does use the minds He created for His glory.
But, there is a fine print. We see it in verse 29.
The secret things belong to the Lord our God…
The difference for spiritual leaders, those desiring to receive godly direction, is “secret things belong to God.”
Since discovering this verse it’s been one of my favorites, because it comes at the end of God renewing His covenant with His people. He promises to be with them, bless them and carry them safely forward. At the end of His encouragement, we find this verse. The secret things belong to God.
We just experienced this as a church staff. We had our plans, we were doing the best we knew how to do, and we were excited about the future. Suddenly this summer God disrupted all of them. It was clear to us this was something God was doing, but we didn’t have a “plan” to guide the way. We were forced—again—to walk by faith. (That is never a bad place to be.)
Isn’t this fine print true in your life?
It has been in those secret moments where God has always seemed to do some if His best work in my life. I’m working my plans—the best I know how—and seemingly out of no where God brings a surprise. I must adapt accordingly. It’s scary. Uncomfortable. It stretches me. But, it’s always best. His way is better than mine and His strength is perfect in my weakness.
As Christian leaders, we must always be attentive to the still small voice and give God room to interrupt our plans. Always. We must not be afraid of the fine print of the Christian life. Some of God’s best is found there.
This article originally appeared here.
