Happy New Year!
It’s a new year and time for a new start. Every January a lot is said about New Year’s Resolutions, new plans, new goals, new vision boards, and turning over a new leaf. Some will not bother, but there are those who will actually sit down and write out their plans and goals for the new year. Nothing wrong with that.
For some it may be about dieting and eating healthier, for others exercising. Many make a resolution or goal to get out of debt, or at least reduce their spending. Others intend to read more books, learn a new skill or hobby, or even find a new job. Whatever it is for you, go for it.
I am a total believer in making plans, setting goals, and establishing expectations. January of a new year is like a clean slate, a fresh start, a new beginning. We have an opportunity to reboot, or restart, and there is something about that which creates a certain excitement within each of us.
Making plans and setting goals are important for everyone. Everyone needs a plan. It has been said, “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.”
While planning and goal-setting is important on our part, there needs to be an additional consideration. It is extremely important when making our plans that we align our plans with God’s plans. You must understand, that before you were ever born, God had His plans for you, and for you to realize the maximum benefit of those plans, there needs to be proper alignment of your plans and His.
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. Jeremiah 1:5
God’s plans are much, much greater than ours, and He has declared what His plans for you are.
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11
It’s great to set goals, and make plans, but in life everything does not always go as we’ve planned. Life is uncertain. What happens when you find yourself in a situation that you hadn’t planned for? What do you do when you find your life has suddenly gotten off the script you had written?
When life throws you a curve and you find yourself on a path that you never envisioned, remember that God’s plans for your life have not changed. God’s plans and desires for your life will not be altered by circumstances that happen in your life.
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Write your plans, your goals, and your dreams for this year, but when you write them, I encourage you to use a pencil and then give God the eraser. It is God’s purpose that will prevail.
Still Believing!
