Many people do not succeed in life because they have no plan for success. In fact, most have no plan at all. Instead of a plan, they simply live their lives based upon what happens to them, instead of being a person who makes things happen.
Successful people think ahead!
As the old saying goes, people who fail to plan, plan to fail. One of the reasons this is so is that a plan keeps you focused and moving forward. Without a plan you’ll become sidetracked and even discouraged by current conditions.
But successful people don’t quit while there are still elements of the plan that have not yet been accomplished yet. As a pastor, I have witnessed people quitting far too soon, and far too easily. In fact, I am convinced that many believers have a habit of quitting that needs to be broken. And learning to plan will help to break the quit habit.
“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
Your Bible is a collection of plans. Sadly, most Christians rarely even read it.
God wants you to read your Bible so that you can see, observe, meditate upon, and visualize His plans. The Bible contains God’s plans for you.
- Noah received a plan for the Ark.
- Moses received a plan for the Tabernacle.
- Solomon received a plan for the Temple.
THE REWARDS OF PLANNING
- 1. Planning ahead eliminates stress in the difficult seasons of life.
“6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8 KJV
- 2. Planning will greatly affect the decisions you make.
“31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.” Luke 14:31-32 KJV
- 3. The quality of your planning and preparation determines the quality of your performance.
“29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29 KJV
MEAN = Insignificant; low; base
- 4. Proper planning guarantees the completion of any project.
“28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30 KJV
Here are some additional necessary ingredients to a successful plan for a Christian business, ministry or endeavor:
- 5. You must spend time daily in the Prayer Closet.
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” Colossians 4:2 KJV
Prayer does not replace planning, and planning does not eliminate prayer. However, just as many Christians have neglected spending time daily in reading God’s Word, their prayer times aren’t that much more consistent.
Prayer brings you into the very presence of God where you can hear His voice.
Noah heard the Lord say, “Build an ark.” But he had to linger in God’s presence for the details of God’s total plan regarding that ark.
You too will need to receive the details for your plan by spending time in God’s presence. Don’t skip out on prayer time, whether that is your own private prayer times, or the prayer meetings held at your local church.
- 6. Your planning should include a godly circle of counsel.
“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 KJV
It is foolish to seek counsel from people who are failures, or have no ambition or motivation themselves. Nor should you seek counsel from those who are not successful in the particular enterprise you are engaged in.
For example, if you were to seek marriage counsel, you probably would be better off not getting it from those who are on their third or fourth marriage.
Another thing to consider is this: In my life I don’t seek plumbing advice from my doctor, or medical advice from my plumber. This sounds silly on the surface I know, but I am shocked at how many people seek out counsel from people who are simply unqualified to give it to them. Don’t make this mistake.
Many people receive bad advice all because of the people they choose to receive counsel from.
Every person around you or who crosses your path is not necessarily qualified to speak into your life.
- 7. You planning must include the constant consultation of the Holy Spirit.
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13 KJV
As a final example, think about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This event has been planned for more than six thousand years now. Just think of how awesome, magnificent and wonderful this one event is going to be.
Planning is essential for success. What’s your plan?
