Whether it’s for the New Year, a new job, or simply a day off, we put thought and energy into what we want to achieve. The beginning of a New Year is notoriously perceived as a chance for a new beginning. It marks a time when all of us have receiving and being better on our minds, and we make resolutions to that end. Often, our plans come from a good place, because our desires are for happiness, success, and growth. But, if we’re being honest, even the best-made plans don’t always go according to our plan. Life has a way of throwing in surprises, setbacks, and detours that we didn’t expect. It’s easy to feel like we’ve failed or that our dreams are slipping away, but we shouldn’t let this despair linger. The Good News is that God is always on our side, and He always has the best plan for our lives.
Our plans are just a small part of the bigger picture. Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) reminds us, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Our Heavenly Father is in control, and His purpose for our lives is what ultimately matters. So, the best approach is to submit all of our plans to God and trust Him to guide us to success.
We might be tempted to tell ourselves that inviting the Father’s guidance in all our choices and decisions isn’t necessary. We often separate our plans into two categories: “our plans” and “God’s plans,” but in reality, there is only one plan—the plan He has for us. He assures us in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT), ““For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”” These words are meant to bring us peace. God’s plans for us are not just good; they are perfectly designed to bring us into the future He wants for us—one full of hope, purpose, and fulfillment.
When our best-made plans don’t go as expected, it’s easy to feel like we’re drifting, but God’s Word assures us that our lives are always in His very capable hands. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Before we even existed, God had a purpose for us. His plan is woven into every part of who we are—our talents, our desires, and even our struggles. Ephesians 1:3 tells us that He’s blessed us with every spiritual blessing through Jesus Christ, so He’s prepared us for what’s ahead, and when we trust Him wholeheartedly, He never fails; He’ll show us the way.
Our Heavenly Father is gracious and merciful beyond our comprehension. He has given us the gift of free-will, and He will never violate it. This means that although He is deserving of our absolute love, focus, obedience, and reverence; He will not force us to honor Him in this way. The same goes for His plan for our lives; He will not force us to follow it, but we will always regret not doing so. Choosing to step outside His plan means missing out on the peace and fulfillment He has prepared for us. When we try to go our own way, chaos and confusion quickly follow. It is never worth it.
The good news is that God is always there, ready to help us get back on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Notice that this powerful passage doesn’t say we have to have it all figured out on our own, because that’s not possible. It simply says, “Trust.” Trust that God knows the way. Trust that His plan is better than anything we could come up with on our own. And when we seek His Will in all we do, He will guide us with His wisdom, leading us down the path that is truly best for us. ■
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.
“The Best-Made Plans”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.