Listen to Advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:20-21
If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. James 4:15
In their hearts, humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
How do we plan for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 30 years? These questions pop up everywhere from job interviews to relationships to financial planning. Knowing where you are going is not only seen as responsible but it is expected. So, we do everything in our power to create and maintain our future plans, erasing as much uncertainty as possible along the way.
I am a dreamer. I enjoy talking with others and making plans for the future of our school. There are so many possibilities for us in the education realm. It’s exciting to think of all the ways in which we can serve our neighbors through our school! Making plans for the future is a good and diligent thing to do, but the book of James warns us not to hold too tightly to those plans. James talks about our life being like “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Even the best-laid plans can be subject to change. Having a good plan, even the best plan, does not mean it’s going to happen that way. Instead, James says, we should leave space for God’s changes, saying, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).
James’ words are a reminder that planning with God means continually reassessing, adapting, and adjusting our plans. We need to be ready to change course if God leads us to different guidance in our work. As God’s guidance unfolds over time our plans must be adaptable. When we live our lives with God and chart our lives in the assurance that only God can fulfill our plans, we can live each day in eager anticipation. Let us make our plans with God, always realizing that even though we may plan our course, it is the Lord who establishes our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) It is the Purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)