We all have plans for our lives. Consciously or unconsciously, we have an idea of a timeline with major events or a direction with milestones along the way. But man’s plans don’t always coincide with God’s plans. Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 19:21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel—that will stand. Seldom does life turn out the way we expected nor are all the events ones we would have chosen. But our God, who is equally wise and loving, directs our steps in the way that is best for us and for His glory…the way they ought to go.
How can we be sure that we are going with God and that our life-path is right?
First, trust in the truth of God’s Word, His promise. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. God is actively at work in your life, fulfilling His purpose in and through you. God in never working just one purpose in your life; He’s working a thousand purposes. And He knows the impact of the thing He is doing in you that will touch and influence others in your circles of influence, not only through six degrees of separation, but to the furthest degree of separation! Just trust Him to do good to you and through you. Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Second, humbly and consciously submit yourself and your plans to God. Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Planning isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s good stewardship. But when we do it with hubris or with confidence in our own abilities or without considering the Lord, it’s sinful and self-centered. James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"--yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." So be sensitive to the Lord’s direction and mindful of His superintending control.
Third, pray about your plans, your hopes and dreams. And pray for them! If you’re humbly walking with God, you can have assurance that He is helping you want the right things, the things that please and honor. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. God wants you to ask. He wants to say, “Yes!” So, ask.
