GOD ESTABLISHES THE PLANS OF THE RIGHTEOUS

As Christians, our plans signify all that we have to do to accomplish our goal, work, project and purpose. Our plans reveal how to achieve our desired goals. However, no matter the plans we make or the purpose in our heart, it is the Lord, our God that directs our path and establishes the steps we take.

Reference: Proverbs 16:3 New International Version (NIV) 'Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.'

Making the right plans for whatever you do or about to do is wise and prudent. The Lord designed us with minds to think and implement good plans and decisions so it can materialise. Notice that I mean good plans and decisions because the Bible says, 'those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness' (Proverbs 14:22 NIV). First of all, God gave us a free-will to make wise decisions in life, but a good plan takes wise decisions and ideas and maximises them by bringing structure to the concept. A good plan also helps you to be committed to your work, project and specific goals. Second, we must realise that a long - term success won't happen without a good plan.

Even though Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream, the interpretation wasn't enough to save Egypt during the predicted famine. Joseph had to reveal a specific plan with seven years timeline. He informed Pharaoh saying, 'Then Pharaoh should appoint supervisors over the land and let them collect one-fifth of all the crops during the seven good years. Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh’s storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so there will be food in the cities. That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come to the land of Egypt. Otherwise this famine will destroy the land' (Genesis 41:34-36 NLT).

So what's your plan? How good is your plan? We all need virtuous and prudent planning. However sometimes we make deficient plans, but God in His infinite grace often brings us to our desired destination in a very sufficient way. By deficient plans, I mean when the goals we set are too limited or too limiting, but in spite of that, God still brings us to a place of fulfilment that we could never have imagined. That's where the importance of cooperating with the Holy Spirit comes in. If you are willing to work with the Spirit of God, He'll always supplement your plans and grant you wisdom and discernment to make the best of them, thereby leaving you with a joy-beaming countenance.

For God to establish your plans, here's what you need to do: 1. Write down your plans and specify the deadline and of course the actions to take to fulfil it, so you can meet the deadline. 2. Carefully consider your plans, and commit to working with the plans. 3. Commit your plans to God and always remind Him about it because it is God that establishes them. God sees and knows the end from the beginning. Therefore we should be ready to bathe every plan we make - at the altar of prayer -and place every desire of our heart into His able hands. Most importantly, if we always cooperate with the Holy Spirit, our plans to move forward will succeed and the Spirit of God will bless and advance them further.

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 37:23; Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 90:17.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you because you've granted me the wisdom and sharp-witted intelligence to make the right plans and also, the wonderful assurance that you establish them by your Spirit, who directs my steps. I'm forever grateful for the free-will to make choices in life and a sound mind to imagine, visualise and implement my goals and dreams. As I yield to the leading and guidance of the Spirit daily, I'm guided along the best way to succeed with all my good plans in Jesus' Name, Amen.