Planning your life can be challenging and may not always be easy, but it’s worth the effort. While it’s true that God has plans for us and will bring them to pass, we also have our responsibilities. It’s not enough to rely solely on God’s part; both our efforts and His guidance must work together to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

The Bible speaks of God’s plans for us in Jeremiah 29:11, but most other scriptures about planning focus on what we need to do. God’s purpose for us is sure, and He is the guiding force that helps us reach it. Even when we make mistakes or follow the wrong plans, if we stay close to Him, He will steer us back to His true purpose for our lives.

When making plans for your life, there are three key things to consider: God’s Consent, Wise Counsel, and Hard Work.

1. God’s Consent
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” It’s important to involve God in your plans and acknowledge His role in guiding you toward your goals. God may delay or deny certain things because He knows what’s best for you at every moment. As Proverbs 16:9 further confirms, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

2. Wise Counsel
Proverbs 20:18 advises, “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise counsel.” It’s crucial to seek advice from those who have walked the path you’re about to take. This includes reading books, learning from others’ experiences, and choosing your mentors carefully. Good counsel can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and lead you closer to success.

3. Hard Work
Proverbs 21:5 teaches us, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Hard work is essential in bringing your plans to life. Simply writing down your goals won’t make them happen—you need to take action and make smart decisions. Hard work doesn’t harm you, but laziness and shortcuts can lead to poverty. Proverbs 6:6-11 talks about the ant, which has no leader but works hard during the summer to prepare for winter. What are you working hard at?

This week, take the bold step to set some goals and make plans. Seek God’s approval, get wise counsel, and work diligently toward them. You might be surprised at where your efforts will take you. I’ve seen this approach work wonders in my life. Remember, God, your Father, wants the best for you, and He will guide you through your plans and goals into His greater purpose for your life.