“Plans are worthless, but planning is indispensable.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
A recent conversation included a detailed description of a lifeplan by a young person. Basically, I’m going to do this and then this and then this and end up there. Good plan.
The General/President was describing how the process of planning is important - focusing on a problem to solve or goal to achieve and considering possible solutions and steps to that end. While also acknowledging the resulting plan hits reality and frankly, all hell will break loose. (Sometimes literally.)
Here’s a format for planning that puts the focus in the right place:
Start planning: pray Romans 8:28 - Your plan, Lord, is for my good.
Start doing: take time to plan and then work diligently (Proverbs 21:5)
Give credit: as things progress, thank the Lord and share the story (Psalm 9:1 - and many others)
Gain wisdom: as “the plan hits reality” look to God for guidance (Proverbs 2:6)
Fortunately, the Lord can be an integral part of our planning. He puts a vision for our life in our hearts. As we walk with Him, He continues to provide guidance. We need only trust Him that our plans will end up for our good… no matter the winding journey we may take to get there.
And a verse:
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (the whole chapter is worth reading)
This week plan and work towards the goal and trust the Lord to guide each step on the way, even when hell hits.
SLE