Last Friday Life Gathering, I shared about the importance of setting goals and creating action plans to achieve them. It’s still the first month of 2014, and you don’t just want to breeze through this year then realize it’s the end of 2014 and nothing much has happened. God has prepared breakthroughs for us this year, but we must understand that each of us have a part to play in order to experience God’s breakthrough in our lives.
Growing up, I am fond of playing legos. I didn’t own legos as a kid, but we have a neighbor who did. And every afternoon, my friend and I would play together with this bricks. All lego sets all have a "finished product", like a house or a car. In order to build the “finished product” you must not miss that “blueprint” that goes with the lego box, giving clear instruction on how to build what you’re trying to build. Same is true with your goals for 2014. You need to have a plan of action steps in order to make this goal into a reality. Anoine de Saint-Exupéry (Author of the Little Prince) was right to observe that “a goal without a plan is just a wish.”
God Himself had a plan. He said, “For I know the plans I have for you …” (Je 29:11). God had a clear set of action steps in reconciling man back to Him. And believe it or not, God wants you to succeed. He goes on to say that these plans are “… plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” God has set in us the ability to dream and set the courses of actions to reach that dream.
For this article, I surveyed the book of Proverbs (whose writings came mostly from none other than the wisest king who ever lived) about the topic of setting goals and plans. And from these verses I found four prescriptions for wise planning.
Wise planning are defined by a person’s motive
Proverbs says, “The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful” (12:5). In order to plan wisely, we must first examine the motive behind our goals. A ship, if its angle is even short of one degree, can set it off to the wrong direction and ultimately the wrong destination. Similarly goals that are motivated by hurts, sin and selfish motives will set you on the wrong course and destination. Ask yourself, “does my motive desire to bring about not just my own good, but also the good of others?” Why are you working hard for that grade or for that promotion? Why are you striving to get to know God better? “… Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness” (14:22). When our goals are motivated by the goodness and righteousness in Christ, we are setting our plans in the right course.
Wise planning are combined with one’s diligence
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (21:5)… Plans no matter how good are just plans, if not combined with commitment, discipline and action. This month I’ve been trying to commit myself to lose weight. And my body-mass index says I have to lose a few pounds to get my ideal body weight. I can think about it, get the right apps and plans to help me lose weight. But if I don’t put one foot after another, nothing will happen. For my goal to be realized, I must be willing to commit to it, eat the right food, run a 5K, even if it means I need to wake up earlier, or even if I’m coming home tired from work. Goals happen when one is willing to sacrifice and invest their heart into it.
Wise planning are refined by other people’s counsel
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (15:22). Our plans may be good in our own eyes, but seeking counsel from godly, mature and experienced individual can greatly improve your plans. It’s a risk to reveal your plans to others. You may receive criticism, but it will allow you to see the challenge from a different set of angles. You may have to wait some more before executing your plans, but it can prevent you from making impulsive decisions. You may need shut up and listen, but it can help you discover what works and what doesn’t. Rick Warren answered his question, “What’s better than learning from your mistakes? It’s learning from other people’s mistakes.” God has blessed your life with people who are godly, mature and experience to help you navigate through your life. Learn to seek their counsel. Remember, “plans are established by seeking advice” (20:18).
Wise planning are aligned with God’s plans
This is the most important of all. Proverbs says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (19:21). Man’s ways can shift and change like a chameleon changes its colors, but the wise man encourages us to take God’s way because it’s the best way to go. Therefore our plans must be in harmony with God’s will according to His Word.
Notable director Woody Allen was quoted to say, “if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” And it can be true, because often times we make absurd and pointless plans without thinking about what God wants for our lives. Let God’s principles inform our plans and decisions. God’s way prevails (19:21). It endures (16:9). And it is “good, pleasing and perfect" (Ro 12:2).
If you want to succeed in your plans, first know His plans. A servant in a kingdom where God is king executes the king’s agenda not his personal ambitions. Jesus said to seek first God’s kingdom, and all these things shall be added unto you (Mt 6:33). That’s why Proverbs prescribes, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” So what does it mean to commit your ways to the Lord? Committing your ways to the Lord means asking for God’s wisdom as you work in accomplishing His task. It means planning within the boundaries of His Word. And it means trusting Him for the outcome, knowing that God works for the good of those who love Him (Ro 8:28). The psalmist puts it out there, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
I pray that as you set have set your goals for 2014, that God will give you the wisdom and anointing and ordain your steps in reaching your goals.
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