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Being a planner is a good thing.  Being a strategic planner can help you go places.  Being a strategic planner without the right guiding values can lead to much heartache.

Many plans have no moral designation. (coaching, an evening with friends, a road trip, a trip to the grocery store!)  Many plans have great ramifications—buying a house, choosing a college, choosing a spouse, seeking a job.  All plans both small in importance and significantly important are guided by values that can have you in step with God or working against his plans. 

Read Proverbs 19:21

“Many”

• Our minds are constant with plans.
  
  
• Some of us it is elaborate and detailed.
  
  
• For others it is impulsive and as you go. Even in that there is an element of planning.

“plans”

• Plotting or scheming actions born of the values driving your actions.
  
  
• Plans are always guided by a set of values.
  
  
• Planning is a good thing. They can bring unity and teamwork.  Plans can keep us from making mistakes, and done well, can create movements within a family, community, or organization. 

“heart”

• Referring to the seed of thoughts, plans, or reasoning.
  
  
• Can also be interpreted as “mind” since our culture typically refers to the “heart” as the seat of emotions, and not the seat of reason. NET
  
  
• Regardless, our planning is derived from the core of our being and is guided by our personal values. We will go there in a few minutes.

“but”

• There is an antithesis to this pattern or another reality at play that must be considered.

“purpose”

• A counsel, decree, or plan.
• A deeper term as it is planning with intentionality.

“prevails”

• It will be established.
• It will stand.
• It will absolutely succeed.

Human plans are uncertain vs. God’s plans are always certain. 

Planning is a design of God and is not a sin, but much of our planning tends to not rise to what God would desire or direct.  Which can lead to our planning being in direct conflict with God’s plans.

*Illustration: the crushing end to an engagement. 

            Is God mad at me?  Did I hear God wrong?  Did I miss my calling?

Read again Proverbs 19:21

Three realities to consider in making plans.

1. God is Sovereign and in control.
   
   
2. God’s way is certain.
   
   
3. God’s way is going to be better.

Unanswered Prayers

Just the other night at a hometown football game
My wife and I ran into my old high school flame
And as I introduced them, the past came back to me
And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be

She was the one that I'd wanted for all times
And each night I'd spend prayin' that God would make her mine
And if He'd only grant me this wish I wished back then
I'd never ask for anything again

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
And just because He doesn't answer, doesn't mean He don't care
'Cause some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers (very cool)

She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me, in her eyes too it seemed
We tried to talk about the old days, there wasn't much we could recall
I guess the Lord knows what He's doin' after all

And as she walked away, well, I looked at my wife
And then and there I thanked the good Lord
For the gifts in my life

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers (yeah)
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
And just because He may not answer, doesn't mean He don't care (yeah)
'Cause some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered-
Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered-
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
                                                                       Garth Brooks

*Illustration- The rest of my story.  If not engaged, no Hershey, no Kristen, no Kyra and Kaden, no Maddie, no LEFC.

Sometimes our failed plans are God’s purpose and blessing.  

To avoid heartache or disaster, how do I align with God in my planning from the beginning?

Read Romans 12:1-2

We are called to a life that pleases God as part of our worship of Him. (1) 

Creating alignment with God’s will in planning our life.

• We need to conform to God’s values.
  • Every plan is built upon a value—God is the same.
  • The world values happiness, ease, personal gain, and the fun factor.
  • God values: he gets the glory, mutual benefit, the right path even if it is more difficult, long term over short term (eternity), fun with no regrets.

• We need to download different data.
  • Transformation will require the renewing of one’s mind (heart).
  • The Word of God becomes the standard and guide for decision making.

• We need to test and filter plans before we enact them.
  • We seek the Holy Spirit’s help in understanding and application of God’s Word.
  • By testing our plans through the lens of God’s Word and the help of the Holy Spirit we can discern God’s will—the plan that will succeed.

Dealing with plans that don’t succeed.

• Test your plans to see if they were in alignment with God’s values?
  
  
• What might God be doing that will be better?
  
  
• Results do not always reflect what is of God and what is not. Genesis 50:20
  
  
• Find peace that in all things God’s plans will succeed, and our failed plans serve that end.

Benediction:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

“Even in my mistakes, God overriding them or allowing them either spared me or taught me something invaluable for the future.  He is bringing about the best for my life according to his plans.”