Are you a planner?  Everyone is wired differently – some people commit to scheduling their lives down to the minute, while others live for the moment – and then there is everything in between.  Is one method better than another?  After all, when most people are searching for their own significance or reason for existence in this world, it is a very important question to consider.  Nobody wants to live a meaningless life.

Travel with me, back in time, to the pool of Bethesda.  This miraculous place on earth was where an angel would periodically stir the waters, and whoever stepped in the water first was healed of their disease.  A certain man, crippled for thirty-eight years, positioned himself near the pool, but could never get in quickly enough due to his infirmity.  One day, Jesus walks in to this area in Bethesda (planned or spontaneous?).  He sees the man, heals him (only), and leaves.  Was that on Jesus’ agenda for the day?  Or did He just “happen” to pass by?  The answer is found in a confrontation with the Jews who immediately question Him for healing on the Sabbath.

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. (John 5:19-20, NKJV)

Jesus listened to the voice of the Father, and intentionally obeyed, everyday.  Sometimes, He would be going somewhere (planned), stop along the way (spontaneously?), and a life-altering event would transpire.  If you don’t believe me, just ask the Samaritan women by the well (John 4:1-26).  Jesus was going to Galilee, stopped in Samaria, and an entire city was transformed (just keep reading, John 4:27-42).  How then, do we live an intentional, Spirit-led life like Jesus?

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  (John 16:13, NKJV)

We all have busy lives, but we all have choices too.  Jesus had the opportunity to do anything He wanted during His time on earth, but He focused on reaching the people He came to save.  He did not waste time, or resources.  He spent time discipling believers, and building relationships with the unbeliever.  He met needs, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  He intentionally went to those who needed Him the most.  In the midst of all the scheduling of our lives, we should do the same.  The eternal destination of literally billions of lives depend on it.

Happy 8th Anniversary, GI!                                                          
Jonathan Haward, President
Global Infusion