by Pastor Chris Kumpula
We all make plans. Even if its figuring our your lunch today, you will make plans to reduce the perceived uncertainties of the future, even a few hours from now. Planning doesn't always come naturally, we often don't do it very well, and we sometimes go about it the wrong way. Some do not invest time in planning at all, and others rely too much on their planning efforts. What does God say about planning?
Is planning biblical? Yes, the Bible is filled with plans.
We can think of them like this:
God's Plans: The Bible emphasizes that God has a plan for everything, including the destiny of humanity and the ultimate fate of the world (see passages like Jeremiah 29:11). Because God is the Creator, all-knowing, and is not bound by time, God’s plans and promises are complete and guaranteed ultimate success. We can trust His plan.
Human Plans: People throughout the Bible make necessary plans for the future of their lives, families, and communities. However, when we rely on counting what we hold in-hand and rely on our human diligence to accommodate contingencies, we can supplant a right reliance on God to meet the uncertainty of tomorrow (see James 4:13-15). Because life changes inevitably and unexpectedly, we ought to be in prayerful dependence on God.
Plans Gone Wrong: Often, plans in the Bible go awry due to human error, sin, or unforeseen circumstances (see Genesis 11:1-9). On account of either human limitations or the pursuit of a will and purpose contrary to God, plans fail. But God doesn’t.
Seeking God’s Plan: Biblical planning is a) counting in-hand what God has entrusted, b) assessing the wisest “investment” actions that can be made today and for the future, and c) seeking through prayer and study God’s will and purpose, trusting He will supply the needs of tomorrow wherever they accord with this will of God. (see Matthew 25:14-30)
Why is planning biblically necessary?
Planning is a biblical necessity to steward time, talent, or treasure. God says in Proverbs that someone who plans well will foresee dangers and avoid them, but the foolish person (non-planner) will do whatever’s convenient, and end up paying the penalty. (Proverbs 21:5) Ask yourself, “Am I doing what is necessary to make the most of what God has entrusted to me this day?”
Planning is a biblical function of gaining wisdom. Planning forces the involvement and collaboration of multiple people unto a united end. Proverbs 15:22 instructs us that “without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Planning in the church involves taking time to incorporate the wisdom of others prior to meeting the imminent need. Ask yourself, “Am I contributing to a productive conversation about the wisest course for the future?”
Planning is a biblical mode for purposeful mission. Planning is not for its own sake, but for the purpose of serving the mission of the church to deploy its gifts in making disciples and growing God’s kingdom. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21) God is under no obligation to resource our plans, but He promises to supply whatever is needed to move forward in His will. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Ask yourself, “Am I purposefully seeking what God says is important for the future with eyes of faith?”
Planning is a biblical extension of spiritual devotion. Proverbs 16:3 says “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” We commit our plans to God in prayer, because the only grounding and foundation for success in His plan. Ask yourself, “Am I meditating on God’s Word and praying in regards to opportunities or decisions before me today?”
Planning is practice in failure and learning. If we honestly ask ourselves these questions, and evaluate our planning (or lack thereof), we will inevitably see the failures that result from sin. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8–10) Ask yourself, “What sin or error can I confess to God today where I have not sought God’s will or plan?”
What do I do when I plan or act wrongly?
Here's a prayer we can make unto God in light of the above:
Father in Heaven, you are the Planner of the universe. We poor sinners acknowledge to You that we either accept Your will to live in Your plan, or we stand in rebellion, self-fulfillment, and sin. We confess to you that we are by nature sinful and unworthy to be made part of Your plan, and that we violate Your will by sins in thought, word, and deed. Thank you that Your plan is to save any and all who would repent and confess the saving truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Savior who followed Your plan perfectly, that we might receive His grace and mercy in our failure. Forgive us our sins this day by the power of His blood, and redeem our mistakes for Your gracious plan. Amen.
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