Plans, so many plans!

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

I have a daily plan, a weekly plan, a yearly plan, plans for school, plans for church, and plans for work. Plans abound as we move through life. Yet for all our planning, when the boots hit the ground, events often fall apart or must be altered.

It’s amazing how few plans work in real life. Still, we make plans. People like to organize. It gives us a feeling of control. We feel as though we are in charge of our own destiny. We are really fooling ourselves.

I am speaking more about myself than anyone else. I’m a planner. I make lists. It’s how I always tried to control the situation. Through all my planning and illusion of control, my plans seldom work out.

The need for planning and flexibility is especially evident when I volunteer for disaster relief. These trips are always on short notice. We pray and plan. When we arrive on site, things don’t always go as planned. For example, the network doesn’t work, the food pallets arrive late, or there are security or housing issues.

As God guides our steps through each of these issues, everything comes together. The network comes up just when we need it. The food pallets arrive in time for cooking, the area is secure, and we all have a place to sleep. It’s amazing how the Lord works when our steps are aligned with His will and His actions.

I’ve seen similar issues and resolutions while working on mission trips. Our plans may be sound and seem like the right approach. But upon arrival, the ability to listen to the Lord and follow Him will make the difference between a good mission trip and a great one.

Being flexible in our plans and allowing our steps to be guided by the Lord is the key. Don’t misunderstand; I am not saying we shouldn’t plan and organize. God gave us a mind and the freedom to think and work through daily life. Planning is a natural part of life. Many of the roles and positions we fill each day require some planning. It is when we rigidly adhere to our own plans and refuse to follow God’s direction that we get into trouble.

In the end, God is in control, and it’s His direction and His steps that we should follow. It is not our plans but God’s plans that truly matter. Relying on His direction will keep our steps straight and allow us to stay within God’s will.

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Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to make good plans in my daily life. Please draw me closer as I prepare for each day. Guide my plans, my steps, and my actions so that I may be a good example for you. Allow me to be flexible each day, seeing your hands at work and joining you as you work. Amen.

Your Turn: When you make plans, are you rigid or flexible? Do you pray over your plans? Do you allow the Lord to guide your steps, even when they do not align with your plans?