Faith and Planning

Key Message: Faith Requires a Plan

• Faith in God necessitates having a plan.
• Planning is seen as the highest expression of faith.
• Without a plan, life lacks direction and meaning.

Planning and Faith

• God has a plan for individuals, but He does not plan for them.
• Planning captures God’s will and gives definition to faith.
• Planning turns promises from eternity into tangible reality.

The Importance of Planning

• A plan is a captured vision; without it, there is no self-control or goal control.
• Faith without works is dead; therefore, planning without action leads to failure.

God as the Ultimate Planner

• God's Plan of Redemption was conceived before the world’s foundation.
• God documented His vision in the Bible and worked out His plan over time.
• Changing plans is acceptable, but the purpose remains constant.

Human Planning and Adaptation

• Failure in plans does not signify the absence of God’s will.
• Adaptability is crucial; change plans but maintain the purpose.
• Failure is an opportunity for a new beginning.

Jesus on Planning

• Jesus emphasized the necessity of planning, even in discipleship.
• He urged followers to calculate costs and commit fully to their plans.

Biblical Examples of Planning

• God's reaction to the Tower of Babel shows the power of unified planning.
• Joseph's promotion in Egypt was due to his effective planning.
• Moses received a detailed plan for the Tabernacle.

Proverbs on Planning

• Proverbs 16:1-9 discusses planning as a human responsibility.
• The execution and success of plans are in God’s hands.
• Plans must be righteous, just, and aligned with God’s purposes.

Practical Steps for Effective Planning

• Sit down and dedicate time to create a detailed life plan.
• Estimate the resources and steps necessary to achieve goals.
• Write down visions and plans; don’t worry about the cost.
• Check motivations to ensure plans align with helping others.

Conclusion

• God directs those who have plans.
• Plan creation is a directive for God’s guidance.
• Those with documented plans attract resources and people to fulfill their visions.