Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 

Jesus told a story about a man making a lot of money. He was a smart businessman and experienced a long string of successful years. The only thing this man liked better than the money was planning how to make more money. Sitting down one night to go over the books, he reviewed his options. He decided to tear down some old buildings to build bigger and better ones. The man believed that with the money he would make by expanding his business, he could finally relax and enjoy his riches. 

But … during the night, God spoke to him. “Fool!” God said, “This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” The rich fool never woke up. He died in his sleep; his last thoughts focused on plans to make more money. Jesus concluded the story with these words, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Man makes his plans. God has the last word. 

Certainly, we should make plans. We should prayerfully determine what God wants us to do. And we always want our plans to be God’s plans because he alone establishes our steps. By the way, as you make your plans, just remember, God has never been impressed by “bigger” jobs, careers, companies, portfolios, sports cars, or houses. Instead, he’s looking for big hearts intent on following hard after him! 

Father, keep us so close to you that our plans are your plans. May we always keep in step with you. In Christ’s name.

Amen.