The Importance Of Making Plans

Long before now, I was really terrible at making plans and nothing scared me like responsibility. I was who you could describe as a drifter, I felt comfortable being left in Nature’s hands and allowed myself to be swept in whatever direction. I took the phrase ‘life’s short’ literally. I tried very much to avoid any form of attachment. I figured since we won’t be around for long, it made no sense making plans for tomorrow.

The New Year celebration used to be like a waste of time. If I was asked how my year went, there was always nothing to say because I never made plans. Life was free to throw blows at me, I had no expectations whatsoever.

I cannot say exactly where I got that philosophy from but I know I paid dearly for my reckless attitude towards things. I attended a particular convention and it touched me. I gradually changed from who I used to be. I discovered I was created for a purpose and I have to work towards the fulfilment of that purpose. I learnt that God was not a God of maybes and howevers. He was very deliberate in His plans and still is. In understanding this nature of God, I found myself. See the book of Mark 1

2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

I also learnt that one has to make plans in order to achieve goals. The book of Luke says in chapter 14:28-33

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? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

It is such a joy when one can monitor one’s progress looking back on goals achieved in order to focus on other things.

While New years are not the only times for resolutions, they can act as markers. It just makes it all look fresh if one wants to make a change. I made a resolution to become a better person and be more devoted in my relationship with God. I also made other plans which by God’s grace I hope to see through. I am using this avenue to encourage you to live more deliberately. Make plans and have goals for your life. The book of Proverbs 6 says

9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?

When will you get up from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest—

11 and poverty will come on you like a thief

and scarcity like an armed man.

As Christians, we believe God’s plans supersede all plans but it still doesn’t stop us from having goals and expectations.

Proverbs 16:9-

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

We just always have to stay balanced in our thoughts and plans, never forgetting that God has the final say.