PLANNING AHEAD

PLANNING AHEAD

Happy New Year! I hope you had a refreshing holiday season and you got to catch up with the people who mean the most to you.

At the beginning of each year, there is lots of optimism as people make all kinds of resolutions. This post is not about resolutions, though, it is about planning.  A plan is something that you intend to do, and you stick to because it has a definite time frame and conclusion. Examples of plans include starting your degree, moving house, buying land, etc.

Below are a few thoughts concerning God and your plans.

1. God wants us to plan ahead

Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (NIV)

Different versions put this verse this way:-

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." (NLT)

"Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!" (MSG)

Does the wise man fumble blindly through life without knowing where he is going? No! A wise man will always have a plan.   Decide what you want to achieve, whether in the short or long term.  At the end of the year when you look back at your achievements, you will understand the wisdom behind the words in the above scripture.

2. God's plans are good

Jeremiah 29:11 ‘ "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not disaster to give you future and a hope."' (NIV)

Many people around the world love this verse, most likely because it is so encouraging to know that God has good plans for everybody. As you make your plans for this year, it is good to seek God and ask him to direct you. If you and God are on the same page, it is likely that your plans will succeed, all for the glory and honor of his name.

3. God establishes our plans

Proverbs 16:9 "A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them." (AMP)

The NIV version says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

To establish means to set up or build. After you decide on the direction you intend to take, you need to ask the Lord to bless your plans so that they succeed. You may have the grandest of plans, but for them to work out, you need the Lord's favor.

4. God's purpose always prevails

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (NIV)

Finally, you need to commit your plans to the Lord. God's purpose will always prevail regardless of what you have planned. Surrender your plans to the Lord, and then if they do not work out, you will be at peace, appreciating that he is still in control.

Make the Lord your partner as you plan, and be sure to thank him when things work out for his glory. All the best!