We love making plans. We just hate it when they don’t work out. While making plans is something that virtually everyone does in their life. Most plans don’t come together as we envisioned. However, when they do we love saying things like; “I love it when a plan comes together!” The Scriptures have a lot to say about making plans and what makes them succeed. Get ready to have a new perspective on the best laid plans.
1. GOD MAKES PLANS
“‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.‘” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
2. GOD TELLS US TO PLAN
“Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe.” Proverbs 4:26 (NLT)
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
3. GOD SAYS DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT)
“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.” Proverbs 16:1-4 (NLT)
4. GOD WANTS YOUR CONFIDENCE TO BE IN HIM
“Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16 (NLT)
“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (NLT)