Day 16 – Read Proverbs 16
3 Keys to Great Planning
My heart sunk and my eyes bulged like saucers as I stared at my several thousand-dollar college tuition bill. I thought, I don’t have enough money! Why didn’t I plan for this? The anxiety balled in my stomach. In desperation, I ended up having to take out a school loan. Why? Poor planning.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” God is a God of order. Here are three strategic keys to successful planning, that help us live hopeful, God-pleasing lives.
Plan Vertically
We are planning vertically when we live for God’s glory (Isaiah 43:7), love Him (Matthew 22:37), and work for Him (Colossians 3:23). When we bring God into our plans, it pleases Him (2 Corinthians 5:9). Vertical planning can include:
- Letting God's Word direct our decision-making (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Living day to day in light of beholding God’s glory for eternity (Isaiah 43:7).
- Practicing the presence of God everywhere we go (Psalm 139).
Plan Conditionally
Preparing ahead of time is a good thing, but always hold plans you make yourself with open hands. Make your plans, and then say, “Lord, not my will, but Your will be done.” Remember to submit your ideas to God first and ask for His intervention; otherwise, if your plans are redirected, your response may be foolish (Proverbs 16:9).
We can make our plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. – Proverbs 16:1 NLT
James writes, “Look here, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year…' How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?…What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:13-15 NLT). Conditional planning leaves room for God to freely change our plans, because He knows best. Proverbs 16:1 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.”
Plan Hopefully
Live with God’s hope in mind. If poor planning has crippled you and hurt others, Jesus is ready to forgive. He loves us, died for our sins, and wants us to plan hopefully with His wisdom. Plan, then throw yourself into life. Go to school or go back to school. Ask someone special out on a date. Craft the budget. Enjoy family memories. Live for others and pursue your dreams. Remember, God works everything for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Dig Deeper
1. In what ways can you aim your goals to please Him (2 Corinthians 5:9)? What mindsets do you have that need to be more conditional in case God changes your plans (James 4:13-15)?
2. In what ways can your plans benefit and give hope to others?
