The Best Laid Plans
Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Matthew 21:31
There is an old saying that says: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions while the road to heaven is paved with good actions”? The first part of that quote describes those moments when you genuinely mean to do something, but for one reason or another, it never happens. Unfortunately, this is all too common today. Many people set out with noble plans to accomplish great things, only to get distracted or bogged down by the demands of daily life. As a result, those good intentions are often left unfulfilled.
In today’s scripture, Jesus poses a question after sharing a parable about two sons. The father asks both sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially says, “No,” but later changes his mind and does the work. The second son immediately says, “Yes, I will go,” but never follows through. Jesus then asks, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” The answer is clear—the first son, who ultimately obeyed, even after refusing at first.
This parable sheds light on the idea that delayed obedience is still disobedience. While the first son’s initial response was wrong, his decision to eventually obey made him the one who fulfilled his father’s will. His change of heart demonstrated that it’s not too late to do what’s right, even if you have initially resisted.
This truth is greatly encouraging for us today. If there are things God has asked of you—things you’ve delayed, forgotten, or set aside—it’s not too late to act. As long as you have breath, you still have the opportunity to get back in line with His will. God, in His grace, is always ready to guide you back onto His planned path. When you surrender your plans to Him and ask for His direction, He will remind you of the unfinished tasks and open doors for you to fulfill your purpose.
Today I want to encourage you to take a moment to lay your life before your heavenly Father. Surrender your plans and embrace His. Begin the good works He prepared for you, ensuring that your life isn’t marked by unfulfilled intentions but by obedience and purpose. Let God’s best-laid plan for your life be paved with your wholehearted “yes” and faithful action.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 21:28-32
28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’
29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.
30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
The Daily Dose 