One of the things that set successful persons apart from followers is the foresight of planning. The adage says “to fail to plan is to plan to fail.” Everyone that would be a success in life must be committed to planning.
Planning is a personal choice, so also the direction one’s life would take. The Christian is not exempted from the necessity of God-inspired planning. The temptation we face in the Church is to think planning is challenging God’s sovereignty.
God himself is a planner and he calls us to a life with plans. The Bible teaches that God is a God of both purpose and planning. His purpose is to draw all humanity to himself in order to forgive and redeem.
His plan-from Creation, to the Law, to the Prophets, to Jesus and the church-is what we are seeing when we read and study the Bible. Planning is part of all of our lives. The only question is if, in all our planning, we ever consult his perfect and eternal plan.
• Planning is taking responsibility for your life and journey so that you don’t end up a liability in life and destiny. normal
• Planning is taking/charting directions for your actions so that you don’t end up in confusion. normal
• Planning is taking care where you direct your steps so that you don’t end up a social concern or a burden to the church/society. normal
BIBLICAL BASIS FOR PLANNING
1) GOD DID IT- Isa. 37:26; KJV; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NLT
2) GOD TOLD MOSES TO FOLLOW THE PLAN SHOWN TO HIM-
Exod. 25:40
3) NOAH DID IT- Gen. 6:13-16. KJV. Noah received explicit instructions to build the ark. He finished its construction in 120 years, exactly as God told him. And the well-built ship withstood months of flooding.
4) NEHEMIAH DID IT-
Neh. 2: 11-17 NLT. Nehemiah developed long-range plans to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He visualised the project, then planned for its construction. The Israelites completed the work in 52 days.
5) DAVID DID IT-
I Chron. 28:9, 12, 19 NLT. David made long-range plans to build the temple. God did not allow him to build it, but David did all the planning and secured the construction materials to get the job done.
6) JESUS TOLD PARABLES ABOUT IT-
Jesus often spoke about the necessity of planning- Matt. 7:24-27; Luke 14: 28-32; 16:1-8. KJV
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PLAN AHEAD?1. PLANNING IS A NECESSARY PART OF LIVING. -
Proverbs 20:4 NLT
2. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT DISASTERS, DISAPPOINTMENT AND SHAME. – Luke 14:28 NLT
3. PLANNING AND FORESIGHT WILL HELP US PREPARE FOR DANGER AHEAD SO THAT WE CAN AVOID DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES.
Proverbs 13:16. NLT; Proverbs 14:8 NLT; Proverbs 22: NLT
4. PLANNING CAN LEAD TO FREEDOM
Being spontaneous can be fun, but it is not the best way to approach every situation. There is a place for planning and self-discipline, especially when you have goals you want to reach. Some people think planning is too restrictive. In reality, it can set a person free to enjoy life and to be productive. Take time to set goals, to plan your course of action, and to set priorities before you launch into action.
5. CAREFUL PLANNING CAN KEEP US FROM WORRY- Matthew 6:34 NLT;
Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God’s guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed with fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.
6. CAREFUL PLANNING CAN HELP US ENGAGE WISELY AND MAXIMISE OPTIMALLY OUR RESOURCES –
Gen 41: 1ff
7. CAREFUL PLANNING CAN HELP US TO STAY ON COURSE/ ON TARGET.
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