Allen and Jessica are complete opposites when it comes to planning their days. Allen is as chill as a cucumber—he never lets anything rattle him or get under his skin. He likes to take the day as it comes, rolling with whatever life throws at him. On the flip side, Jessica is often anxious and nervous. She’s the planner in the relationship, keeping a detailed schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Allen chuckles about how Jessica has a big planner hanging on the kitchen wall and a smaller one stashed in her purse. She uses them to make sure the family stays on track and doesn’t veer too far off course. While Allen enjoys the spontaneity of life, Jessica finds comfort in structure and organization. Together, they balance each other out—her planning helps keep things organized, while his laid-back attitude brings a sense of calm when things don’t go as planned.
It’s great to be organized like Jessica, but balance is key. Sure, having a solid plan can help keep everything on track, but it’s important to pause and consider how much of your planning includes direction from the Lord. While you might have your own technique that works for you, integrating His guidance can make all the difference.
Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) reminds us of a fail-proof action plan: “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” By seeking God’s direction in your plans, you not only set yourself up for success, but you also invite His wisdom into your decisions. This balance between your organization and divine guidance can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful path, ensuring that your efforts align with His Will.
People have desires in their hearts—we dream big and make plans all the time. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) tells us, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” This verse tells us that if we want a successful life, the best possible thing any of us can do for ourselves is to give our lives to God. Even when our plans change, He can still lead us into more success than we have ever imagined.
But let’s be real: more often than we’d like to admit, we find ourselves steering the ship instead of letting God take the wheel. It’s easy to get caught up in our own agendas and forget to seek His guidance. Surrendering our plans to Him means trusting that His way is better, even when it doesn’t align with our own timelines or dreams. It’s all about finding that balance and inviting Him into every step we take.
Praying to God and being patient enough to hear from Him takes time and humility. We’ve all been there—wanting to do something but feeling unsure and lacking clarity about whether the decision is the right one. So, what do you do? Do you pause and wait for guidance, or do you just go for it and hope it all works out?
Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve found yourself in that position more times than you’d like to admit. God understands that we’re human and expects us to make mistakes. What really matters is learning from those missteps and not repeating them. It’s God’s grace that covers our bad decisions and His love that holds us close, even when we falter. As James 1:5 (NLT) reminds us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” Embracing that grace allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that we’re still on the path He has for us.
The Holy Spirit is the greatest planner, and he’s at work within us. He’ll lead us in the right direction so that our lives reflect God’s grace and glory. Ephesians 1: 9-11 (NLT) tells us, “God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance allows us to align our lives with God’s purpose for our lives. When we embrace this divine planning, we open ourselves up to the incredible possibilities He has in store for us. Our lives become a testament to His faithfulness and love, showcasing the beauty of His grace in every step we take.
God wants the absolute best for us—more than we could ever imagine for our own lives. It’s essential to listen to that still voice—the indwelling Holy Spirit—guiding us to align our steps with God’s Will and plan. Many of us try to project what our lives will look like in five or ten years, but it’s crucial to surrender all of it to God. Trust that He knows the best outcome for your life and have faith that His plans for you are greater than anything you could dream up on your own. Letting go and leaning into His guidance can lead to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment, far beyond what we could ever plan for ourselves.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Want a Successful Life – Give it to God”, written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.