It was late and my husband had gone to bed hours earlier, but I couldn’t sleep. There were things on my mind that I needed to sort through before shutting my eyes. Stretched out on the sofa with a lap quilt, I began a quiet, one-way conversation with God.

I’ve haven’t experienced super-natural moments or literally heard the voice of God. I’m a little envious of those who have experienced the reality of God’s powerful force in their life, but for me, it has always been a walk by faith. There are no thunderous proclamations, no burning bush moments or prophetic visions. It’s just me and my faith in someone and something I can’t see.

I chatted with God about my many good intentions and whether they mattered to Him. As I sat in the darkness, I considered the intent of my intentions and questioned whether they were motivated by self or by God.

God weighs the motives behind our good intentions and the scale He uses is our commitment.  I have great intentions to lose weight or exercise regularly, but I lack the motivation and commitment to make it happen. Are my good intentions enough when I haven’t made myself accountable to anyone or anything to see results? I believe the answer is no.

“Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans (intentions) will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

We can have the best motives and plans in our life but without a great commitment our good intentions are never realized.

“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord”. Proverbs 16:2

My chat with God ended with this prayer:

Father God, may all my intentions be pure and free from self-serving. Search my heart and navigate my motives and plans in the direction of your will for my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit inspire me to commit all my plans to you as I walk in faith. Oh, and one more thing Lord. Thank you for always listening. Amen