Proverbs 19:21 (AMP)
“Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the LORD’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).
Do you ever feel like your plans are completely opposite God’s purpose for your life? Do you ever struggle with discerning whether a decision lines up with His will for you? You’re not alone. This is a major tension in the Christian life—my will versus God’s will.
Comedian Woody Allen says, “If you really want to make God laugh, then tell God about your plans.”
Solomon is writing to us to show us that we’re not supposed to be separated from God in our planning. He is clear about His intent. Every believer should know that God’s providence should always govern his or her life.
That may sound heavy-handed at face value, but let’s explore five reasons why God has a place in your planning.
1. God created you to plan. He gave you a piece of Him with your creative brainstorming and imagination. That’s a trait we share with Him. He didn’t create you to be docile or mediocre. He created you to carry His image and His likeness. He’s asking you to join Him in His plans for you.
2. God wants your burden to be light. God didn’t want you to fill your days with your own purposes. He has a specific purpose in mind for you. He didn’t want you to bear the weight of the world on your own shoulders. That’s why He wants an intimate fellowship with you to discuss your hopes and dreams. He didn’t make you to be broken; He made you to live.
3. God doesn’t want you to have regrets. When you talk to him about your plans and seek out the advice of other Christians, you are discerning His plans for you. He wants you to grow to the point where His plans are better than any you could imagine. He has your endgame in mind. He doesn’t want you living your life missing out or regretting that lost opportunity. Trust that He wants only good for you.
My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college. The implied, safe option was to enlist in the military just like my dad. I imagined a life in the Marine Corps because I liked the uniforms. My plan was to go the officer’s training route. My parents were supportive. And in the midst of all that planning, God was laughing, and my aunt was working on His behalf.
My aunt had filled out the paperwork for financial aid and enrolled me in Morgan State. The acceptance letter was mailed to her house. I was informed that I was going to college a day before I was to sign my Marine papers.
Hint: Don’t trust any of your plans you haven’t prayed about.
4. God made a valuable investment in His plan for you. I want you to remember the investment made in you. His sovereignty in your life came at the expense of His Son’s blood. God invested His Son’s life for you and me to accept His purposes for your life.
5. God always has something better in mind. It may not feel like it, but God loves you so much that He will protect you from your own plans. He will fight your will fiercely.
Only execute plans God lets live after God has wrestled with them. If God gives the plan back to you and it’s choked out, let it go.
Here’s a good summary: Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser.
