Building Successful Plans

Introduction

As we approach the end of this year, it is a time for reflection and planning. Many of us have started thinking about our goals and plans for the upcoming year. But Christians must remember to include God in all our decisions and strategies. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This sermon will explore why including God in our plans is essential and how it can lead to success and blessings.

Proverbs 16:3 ESV

3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Reflect on Proverbs 16:3: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." How can this verse guide your decision-making and planning processes in the upcoming year? In what practical ways can you incorporate your Christian faith into your daily routines, long-term goals, and strategies?

The Consequences of Not Consulting God

Let me share with you a story about a man named John. John was a successful businessman who had big plans for his company. He was confident in his abilities and did not feel the need to consult God or His Word when making decisions. However, as time passed, John's plans started to fail, and he didn't understand why. It wasn't until he hit rock bottom that he turned to God and realized the error of his ways. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed." John's story reminds us that we set ourselves up for failure when we leave God out of our plans.

Proverbs 15:22 ESV

22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Examining the Consequences: A Reflection Question

Reflecting on "The Consequences of Not Consulting God" and Proverbs 15:22, which of the following statements best encapsulates the central lesson of the story of John?

Success in business relies solely on individual skill and determination.

Consulting God or His Word is unnecessary in decision-making processes.

Without God's counsel, plans are prone to failure, but with His guidance, they can prosper.

It is only at the point of failure that one should turn to God for help.

Objective 1: Seeking God's Will in Our Plans

One of the first steps to building successful plans is seeking and consulting God's will. This means aligning our plans with His purpose and desires for our lives. We must remember that God has a plan for each of us, as Jeremiah 29:11 says, "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." We open ourselves to His blessings and guidance when we seek God's will in our plans.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11: A Question for Young Adults and High Schoolers

Consider Jeremiah 29:11, "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." As a young adult or high schooler, how does this verse encourage you to invite God into your planning process? How might seeking God's will influence your decisions about future studies, career paths, and personal growth?

Objective 2: Planning with Humility

In addition to seeking God's will, we must approach planning humbly. Proverbs 21:5 says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." When we are humble, we acknowledge that our plans are not solely dependent on our own efforts and abilities, but also on God's sovereign will. This humility allows us to be open to God's direction and correction in our plans.

Proverbs 21:5 ESV

5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Reflecting on Proverbs 21:5: An Insightful Question

Considering the teachings from Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty," which of the following statements best captures the essence of planning with humility?

One should rely solely on their own abilities and efforts when making plans.Being hasty in planning indicates a high level of humility.Humility in planning involves acknowledging the role of God's sovereign will in the success of our plans.With humility, there is no need for diligence in planning.

Objective 3: Having an Eternal Perspective

Lastly, we must remember to approach planning with an eternal perspective. In Luke 14:28, Jesus says, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" In this verse, Jesus reminds us of the importance of considering our plans in light of eternity. We must ask ourselves if our plans align with God's kingdom and if they will have an impact beyond this temporary life.

Luke 14:28 ESV

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Reflecting on Luke 14:28: A Thought-Provoking Question

Ponder on Luke 14:28, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" In the context of your own plans and ambitions, how does this verse inspire you to evaluate your decisions from an eternal perspective? How do your plans contribute to God's kingdom and have an impact beyond this temporary life?

Conclusion

As we move forward into the new year, let us make a commitment to consult God in all our plans. Let us seek His will, approach planning humbly, and have an eternal perspective. As James 4:13-15 says, "Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'" When we include God in our plans, not only will we experience success and blessings, but ultimately, we will fulfill His purpose for our lives. May our plans be guided by His wisdom and bring glory to His name. Amen.

James 4:13–15 ESV

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Reflecting on the teachings within this study, particularly the importance of seeking God's will, planning with humility, and maintaining an eternal perspective, how do you intend to apply these principles to your daily life? As you ponder on this, consider the impact these practices could have on your personal growth, your relationships, and your contribution to God's kingdom. What specific steps will you take to ensure that your plans align with God's will and purpose for your life?

Invitation