PLANS

Proverbs 19:21—Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

They built a dream-house overlooking the Columbia River. Their blueprint was excellent, their planning they thought complete. Unfortunately, they misunderstood and therefore violated the zoning regulations Skamania county officials insisted be kept. Their structure was too prominent in its profile, marring the scenic Columbia gorge in its natural beauty. Their unfinished home must be moved!

I wonder how many houses we build where God-never intended? What foundations have we laid on slopes that would later slide? If we believe in the value of planning then we best understand that for our plans to succeed at least three truths must be in place:

Truth #1. In order to walk on God’s paths we must understand His ways (Micah 4:2). God’s thoughts and actions are different from ours (Isaiah 55:8). The key to effective planning is to learn from Scripture how God works, discern through the Holy Spirit what He is doing around us and then get involved with Him. Without spiritual understanding plans are bound to be presumptuous, self-centered and costly.

Truth #2. In order for plans to succeed they must be committed to the Lord (Pro.16:3). Committed to the Lord, means submitted to His authority and leadership (Pro.3:5,6). Committed does not mean we design a course of action, inform God of our intentions and expect His blessing. The Lord God does not take second-place. If we operate outside His leading are we not headed for trouble?.

Truth #3. Our relationship with God is more important than accomplishing our plans. What good does it do to serve God if our attitude or priorities are wrong? It is easy to be seduced or embittered by focusing on a plan and miss the all-important reality that knowing God is what counts most (Malachi 3:14)!

Whenever we venture outside God’s clear leading it is only ticks in time before we experience the disappointment that comes from following faulty and non-fulfilling plans. God’s plans and purposes never fail! (Psalm 33:11). If what we are doing is through Christ we can claim the “I Can Do” promise—Philippians 4:13! Jesus always provides the resources, strength and wisdom necessary to carry out His work. Plan on Him!

Inspiration

Your plans and purposes must be God’s plans and purposes or you will not experience God working through you. God reveals His purposes so you will know what He plans to do. Then you can join Him.—Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God