Bulletin Articles
Wise Planning
Making plans can be challenging. What may appear to be a divine open door from God could potentially be a deceitful snare from Satan. But thankfully, not only is our Creator a wise planner (Acts 2:23), but He also sheds light through the lamp of His written word on how we should undertake planning. Here are a few thoughts from the book of Proverbs to consider when making plans utilizing the acronym WISE:
Workout Your Plans With God
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.” We need to make sure our plans are aligned with God’s plans. For example, this doesn’t mean that God has only one specific career path in mind for us. Rather, regardless of what career we choose, we must ensure that our jobs do not interfere with God’s revealed plan for us to be holy (Ephesians 1:4).
Invest in Christ-like Mentors
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” Given that none of us possess perfect wisdom, it’s important that we seek guidance from mature Christians. They can reveal spiritual gaps in our plans and help us navigate our options with greater spiritual clarity.
Stay Proactive With Diligent Planning
Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” It might seem easier to forgo planning altogether. But a reactive approach to life rather than a proactive one often intensifies challenges. Engaging in thoughtful planning combined with frequent prayer can significantly enhance our decision-making for the glory of God.
Expect God’s Plans to Never Fail
Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Our earthly plans often fall short of our expectations. But if we maintain our trust in God, we can be certain that His heavenly plans for our spiritual redemption will unfold without fail and far surpass our expectations (Romans 8).
