It is always beautiful to have plans. As a matter of fact, it helps you avoid losing your mind over the outcome of certain situations as you work towards achieving your goals, or seeing the manifestation of the larger picture on your mind.
Planning simply means a method of achieving an end. It also means a comprehensive list of steps, with timing and resources, which is made to achieve a particular purpose.
Talking about the second definition, taking out “resources” from the other requirements involved in planning will produce frustration. The good news however is that “resources” in this regard does not automatically mean money, or other material resources.
Queen Esther had a plan to rescue the Jews from the wicked plan of Haman the Agagite, and money was not a part of the resources she required to do so. All she required was that all the Jews and her maidens join her in sacrificing their food, water and pleasure at that time, and added to that plan was the need to create the time to pray as they fasted.
ESTHER 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
A lot of times, the lack of proper planning can get a person into a state of confusion, frustration and ultimately, this puts a strain on our relationship with God and others as well, if not carefully handled.
If Esther had failed to plan for the deliverance of her people, she would have being seen as selfish, uncaring and wicked, which would have brought dispute between her and her people( The Jews) .
Another good example of someone who planned wisely is Solomon. This was someone who became King , but not just any King, but the King of a great Nation like Israel, as a child. If he had failed to plan, not only would he have failed himself, he would have failed God and the people as well.
Instead of asking for riches and wealth from God at the time he was offered a blank check by God, he asked for wisdom, knowing that wisdom will bring the wealth and riches he wanted anyway, while the lack of wisdom on his part as a young Ruler will most likely make not just himself, but the Nation as well impoverished.
2 CHRONICLES 1:10 (NIV)
“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
Solomon planned not to fail by being strategic in his request as he planned to embark on the journey he was certain he could not succeed on without proper planning. Unlike some who fail to plan and end up failing, this young King saw planning as the foundation of his envisioned successful reign as a King in the great Nation of Israel.
Not knowing where you are headed and expecting others to go with you will only lead to conflict, strife, frustration and ultimately separation between the leader and the led.
Unfortunately, the effect of lack of planning on our relationship with others, is such that could lead to expecting others to take the blame for your own fault. It can also lead to the one leading others to act up and end up frustrating those who are doing all they can within their means to help or support him or her.
The truth is none of the outcome of your own failure to plan properly is the fault of the people you take out your anger on, so there is no point pushing blames or making others miserable due to your own inability to do the needful.
As much as it is good to plan, there is a need to understand that the best way to plan is to commit everything into Gods hand’s and let Him have His way, thereby saving yourself from wasting some time, knowing that what He permits is what ultimately happens
PROVERBS 19:21 ( NIV)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Keep your eyes on Him as you plan, and it will become easier than you thought.
Author Profile
- Temitope is the founder of thesoulmeal.com, an online platform that she shares with her God-given spiritual family and friends. She is a speaker, teacher and youth counselor. She is passionate about inspiring people to find their identity in Christ. Catch her interviewing inspiring leaders on Tongue of the Learned Podcast
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