Plan Right!

Plan Right!

Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

[9] A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

Proverbs 20:24 AMPC

[24] Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?

Psalm 37:23 AMPC

[23] The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].

Jeremiah 10:23 AMPC

[23] O Lord [pleads Jeremiah in the name of the people], I know that [the determination of] the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man [even in a strong man or in a man at his best] to direct his [own] steps.

In all of the verses above, there is a theme that runs through all, and that is the importance of planning. It is strange to ever consider that there is a human being who does not make plans for anything. The most basic assignment, such as waking up to have a bath and get ready for work takes a bit of planning, as you would have to get to work on time, to avoid disciplinary issues. It is also key to note that man, being made in the image of God, and being given the breath of life, has taken on the nature of God, and can also make effective plans. Reflect on the story of the days of creation, where we see God first create light, which is His nature, and the key to revelation of who He is, to then making man as the crowning glory of His creation, and the one to make use of all that He had made, for the benefit of the earth. 

Between both accounts, we see amazing plans and designs being considered, constructed and implemented. If the awesome and Omnipotent God could take time to create the designs we see today, and I have been made in His image, I carry His nature and can also do what He does. That is why the messages in the verses above are critical for my generation. I carry God's nature, which means I am always seeking ways to impact my world. As I am the product of a God who makes awesome plans, I cannot be less than the reflection and embodiment of the One who made me. In the ways, means and methods I seek to carry out my daily life assignments, it has to show that I know and recognise and represent the beauty of God. How else can the world know this God, if as a human being, I do not let His glory, power and beauty shine in and through me? 

There is a message of caution too in the verses above, and it is for man to realise the futility of trying to make plans outside of the God who gave him life and breath. It is good to plan, but it is best to make those plans in and with God. This shows that I recognise His power and authority, and admit that I will not succeed at anything without His help. Make the great plans; put in place measures to help you succeed at whatever you put your heart to, but always remember that there is a divine plan that will always be achieved, whether you subscribe to it or not. No one can thwart the purpose of God, so man's best application of his efforts will best be served by seeking to know what God's purpose is, and seeking it with all his strength. As seen in one of the verses above, when a man's ways please God, He directs his path, but this applies to a man who has surrendered all to God. Surrender frees you from anxiety. Would you do so? God's time of favour is here.