Our Plans

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Those who know me well know I like things to go according to plan. I'm not sure if this is a personality trait, my years spent in project management, or both. However, I freely admit sometimes, when those plans veer off course, I am not always the most gracious of the change. But, I very much doubt that I'm alone; we are all most comfortable when our plans go smoothly.

Today's verse tells us it's okay to make our plans; God has blessed us with minds and reasoning skills and wants us to use them. He has graced us with these gifts, but he also desires us to invite him along on the journey. So these plans are not solely ours but God's too. With his guidance, we begin to see things differently. Our vision expands from me to us. We start to consider how our plans affect other people, the environment -- all the resources God has given us stewardship over.

Does this ensure our plans will go smoothly? I want to tell you, yes, but we all know that's not true. Life is full of hiccups. However, we know that we have God there to help us when our plans become disrupted. There is a peace in knowing God has been our partner in the planning, rather than flying solo and calling on him to bail us out when things go awry.

God, we thank you for the faculties you have given us to plan. We confess, though, that we do not seek your will in our planning. Often our thinking is too short-sight and self-centered. God, please expand our vision; let us see beyond what we want to happen to what can happen through you. Come and walk with us on our journey and open our hearts to obedience. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Blessings,

Pastor Tim