It may seem odd to plan as you seek direction. After all, the Scripture tell us:
“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
This passage can lead us to believe that we should not make plans – but that is not the meaning here. In fact, God tells us over and over in the Word that it is wise for us to plan. It is when we consider our plans above Him and disregard His guidance that we find ourselves lost and confused. Let’s unpack that a little.
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
James 4:13-16
Is James saying that planning where to go, where to live, and how to make money is evil? No – it is the boasting that is evil. When we are arrogant enough to assume that our plans are foolproof and without fail then we are considering ourselves above God. What then, does James recommend?
We must always understand that God’s will trumps all of our plans. Just as Proverbs 19:21 says, “God’s purpose will prevail.”
So why bother making plans if we are not certain of God’s purpose and will?
1.Making plans helps us to discern God’s will.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1
As we plan – and transform our minds by reading the Word, praying, seeking guidance – we will be able to test what His will is. We move forward with intention while remaining submissive to His guidance.
2. Making plans helps us to flesh out our own motives.
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.”
Proverbs 14:8
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:2
As I plan, it becomes more obvious what my motives are and gives me an opportunity to adjust my heart.
3. Making plans helps us to move in the direction of our calling.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
In an interview with Jordan Raynor about the Biography of Fred Rogers, “The Good Neighbor, The Life and Works of Fred Rogers”, Maxwell King explains the result of following the winding path of dreams and plans.
“I think he was a remarkably focused guy who was relentless in driving toward goals and objectives. He’s the one who kept narrowing the funnel and creating the focus and heading toward Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I think he made it happen through his very determined, intentional way of living.”
-Maxwell King, Jordan Raynor Podcast
Fred Rogers called this a “guided drift” and I love the picture that phrase creates for me. The thought of just drifting through life is somewhat hopeless, but the thought that I am being guided as I drift – well that is actually exciting! It suddenly removes the burden of thinking that I am entirely responsible to know my every step. In this line of thinking, I am free to move toward a goal with the assurance that God will move me as needed to hit the actual target! But it also reminds me that I need to be moving in the first place.
“Rogers had a term he loved to use when referring to discerning one’s calling. He called it “guided drift.” The idea was that, while it is good and wise to make plans, “one needed to live a life that was open to change,” led by the Holy Spirit.”
As we plan – and set that plan into action – God helps us to “narrow the funnel” as King says above.
4. Making plans helps us to discover our gifts – and our weaknesses.
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?“
Luke 14:28
I am a dreamer and a visionary – and I believe God created me that way – but I also know that I need to step out of the dream and into the reality of a plan if I am ever to accomplish anything. I know that God will equip me to do whatever He calls me to do and sometimes the planning process helps me to recognize where my strengths and weakness lie and where I need to depend upon Him the most!
5. Making plans helps us rely on God’s power and provision.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
The more I make plans the more I understand my own lack of power. God often asks us to do things beyond ourselves and that helps us to realize the need for His power and resources. As I begin to plan, I must ask God to guide and direct me and also to provide and act in order for the plan to be successful. Sometimes He will guide me toward a different plan and sometimes He will guide me toward the resources to accomplish the plan.
As you seek direction, first pray (continually); second seek wise counsel; and then make an intentional plan. One of my favorite parts of this grand adventure is to watch what amazing things God does with my meager plans – I pray that will become a joy for you as well!