Our plans can change in an instant. If you’re a planner like me, it can be tough when things don’t go the way you expect. You can try to factor everything into your plans, but the truth is, it is impossible to plan every single moment of your life. The good news is that you don’t have to. God is a planner, and He is by far the best planner that will ever live.

During seasons of transition in my own life, the uncertainty of not knowing was sometimes unbearable. It meant I had to trust more in the Lord than in myself, and I had to choose to follow Him without being able to see exactly where I was going. It meant surrendering my own plans and choosing to accept whatever His may be.

During seasons like this, I had to pray daily, “Lord, whatever the next step is, I will choose to trust you and to take that step as you lead.” It was a daily walk of faith, one step at a time. When my future is uncertain, I can be certain that God will come through for me because He is always good and He is always faithful. If you’re anything like me, you know this by heart: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord …” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). But how about these?

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? (Proverbs 20:24)

No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30)

While these verses do not say that planning is bad, they are a reminder that refusing to surrender to God's plans is not at all wise. Trying to make things happen in your own life, instead of trusting in the Lord and His good plans, is also not wise. We can only see a small fragment of the picture before us, and our plans can change so very quickly. Just think about all the times you’ve planned to do something, only to have those plans changed by the weather. 

Unlike our plans, God’s aren’t affected by the weather. He is immovable and unshakeable. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. He can see the entire picture—the entire portrait of your life—and doesn’t overlook a single detail. God’s plans for your life are good because He is good. No matter what comes your way, God knows about it, and He will faithfully walk alongside you, regardless of what you walk through. He works all things out for your good because He loves you.  

Father God, I recognize that Your plans are far better than anything I could come up with. Lord, I can trust You to come through for me because You can see the full picture. I believe that You love me and will take care of me. Give me the strength to surrender my plans for the good plans You have for me. Lord, You direct my steps. Help me to follow Your lead and to glorify and honor you with every step I take. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.   

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.