“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
This is one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible, at least as we grow in both understanding it and experiencing it. I believe that very early in our walk with Christ, during that time of powerful grace and God’s intervention that allows us to gain wisdom and insight into the faith, it is easier to see. It’s in the in-between years where we can find it more difficult. It is very natural, according to this verse and many others, for us to carefully plan and envision future outcomes in our lives, projects, and other interests. Solomon affirms that. When our children are born, we loosely—or sometimes tightly—plan their journey and its peaceful old age end. When we get married, Prince Charming and Cinderella can describe in great detail their glorious fairy-tale future. When launching a business, we have our exit strategy in mind and know precisely how we believe we will get there. Those plans do not include funerals, diseases, other people’s free will, or the countless other deviations from our perfect plans. Solomon makes it clear that planning is good, and when combined with God’s love and sovereignty, the additional steps and eventual outcome can be spectacular. Today, plan well, work the plan diligently, and find Him in the deviations. #BeTheEdge
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
