I am a planner. I thrive on figuring out how to accomplish a goal through a strong plan, as I juggle both a digital planner and a paper BUJO. Add to that my trackers—I track everything from my Bible study progress to workouts and personal goals. Planning keeps me grounded, organized, and focused.
But sometimes, my Type A tendencies get me into trouble. Sometimes, I hold onto my plans longer than I should. My carefully laid-out agenda can get in the way of what God wants to do in my life.
What about you? Do you ever get ahead of the Lord? Do you ever cling so tightly to your plan that you miss His?
The Journey of Letting Go of My Plan
Recently, the Lord took me on a journey to remind me who’s really in control. (Let me just tell you the obvious: it’s not me!) He tested my grip on the plans I’d made for myself, challenging me to loosen my hold and trust Him completely.
Through that process, I did a lot of reflecting, and here’s what I learned:
A plan is a good thing. It helps us stay on course. But even the best plans must be submitted to the Lord.
The heart of man plans his way,
Proverbs 16:9, ESV
but the Lord establishes his steps.
The Lord establishes our steps. Sometimes, He does so with our willing obedience. Other times, He does it by force, closing doors we stubbornly try to keep open.
(Sounds kind of like a blog post from earlier this year: “Who is writing your story?”)
I can think of plenty of times when God had to step in and redirect me toward His plan.
Years ago, I felt called to pursue my Master’s Degree. I distinctly remember feeling that I should pursue a principal’s license in that process. I also distinctly remember deciding that I didn’t want to be a principal. I settled for getting a Master’s that did not include licensure.
Fast forward several years and a few thousand dollars later. I found myself back in school, post-master’s degree, dropping more time and money into getting that administrator’s license.
If I had obeyed the first time, I could have saved a year and a half of school and thousands of dollars.
Lesson Learned: Obey Right Away
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: delayed obedience often comes with unnecessary detours and hardships.
Obedience isn’t always easy. Knowing the right thing to do can feel overwhelming. That’s why I love spending time in God’s Word. Without His Truth filling my heart and mind, I can’t discern His wisdom or align my plans with His.
Planning With Open Hands
Will I always have a plan? Absolutely. I may even have a Plan B and Plan C! But I’ve learned to leave room for God to redirect me.
He is the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. His wisdom is complete, far greater than my own. So while I’ll keep planning, I’ll also keep listening, ready for Him to interrupt my course anytime He sees fit.
What about you? Are you holding too tightly to your plans? Or are you ready to let God establish your steps?
Speaking of plans, have you considered your 2025 Bible study reading plan? Come join the Proverbs3Three community as we dive into Selah Moments: Pausing with Purpose in the Psalms. This study begins January 1, 2025.
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