Go To Plan
Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you’re not. You see, when I encounter difficulty, I have a go to plan. Often times, it goes something like this:
My Usual Go To Plan
- First, my natural tendency is to worry about the situation. Fret on it awhile. Marinate the matter in some consternation.
- Then, I might procrastinate a bit. And, maybe vacillate between equal parts worry and procrastination.
- I eventually might hazard a shy attempt at a tentative fix. Usually, it isn’t always something I would term an easy fix. So, on to the next step.
- It is then I might consider asking God for some help with the matter. So, I offer a prayer as a sort of last resort.
- Then, I might consider making a plan. I might even proceed a bit and test the waters. But usually, I find myself wondering if I am doing it right.
- Seek counsel. Finally, I begin to ask around to see how the professionals do it.
Maybe your pecking order looks the same. Maybe your order is a little different. Whatever the case, my results using the above are hit-and-miss. Rarely a hit and mostly a miss – or should I say ‘amiss.’
My NEW Go To Plan
I am a slow learner. But I know I need to consider a paradigm change. I am learning a better way. And where do we go when we need to figure something out? We go to the Owner’s Manual. God’s Word. I am learning to consider a new approach.
- Commit. Yes, commit the matter to The Lord. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
- Pray. Pray for God’s direction. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
- Ask for Wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
- Read God’s Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Seek Counsel. Get input from fellow Christians that you know are trustworthy. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
- Plan. Plan the project. Plot the course. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” – Luke 14:28
- Proceed. Then set out. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
- Adjust. Be willing to make adjustments along the way. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
The new go to plan has never failed to work for me. I don’t think any of us would discount The Lord’s ability to “work out a situation for our good” (see Romans 8:28).
I would encourage you to go and do likewise.
DEC
About the Author:
Ken Moll is the Principal and Founder of Blue Elevator®. With professional experience spanning four decades, Ken has a breadth of foundational business knowledge rarely found – making him part of an elite class of professionals. Ken's passion is helping clients of Blue Elevator® get their “business to the next level™.”