A God-Honoring Approach to PlanningMfano

In this devotional, I’ve sketched out what I believe to be a biblical, God-honoring approach to planning. First, we saw that we are to “Commit to the LORD whatever [we] do,” including our planning (see Proverbs 16:3). Second, we’re to “listen to advice” from others (see Proverbs 12:15). Third, we’re commanded to recognize our ultimate lack of control over our plans (see James 4:13-16). Proverbs 19:21 shares this series’s fourth and final principle: As we plan, we’d be wise to remember that regardless of the outcome of our plans, “it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

This truth enables us to do two things.

First, it allows us to plan more confidently. The nature of planning is that it is risky. Whether you’re planning a budget, a project, or goals for the next quarter, planning always requires you to make predictions about a future you can not see. That can be frightening to do, which is why so many of us fall victim to analysis paralysis.

But if you’ve committed your plans to the Lord, sought out counsel, and humbly recognized your lack of control, you can make plans confidently because “it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” His purposes can not be thwarted (see Job 42:2). Commenting on today’s passage, Tim Keller says, “In a sense, for a Christian, there is no ‘plan B.’”

Second, today’s passage should empower us to be at peace with any result. If our plans are wildly successful, “it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” If our plans blow up in flames, “it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” So we can be at peace with any result, knowing that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

What plans are you making at work this week? View them in light of Proverbs 19:21. Remember that the Lord’s purpose will always, always prevail. And may that truth lead you to plan confidently and peacefully today.

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