Plans…Plans! Whose Plans?

Plans…Plans! Whose Plans? A New Year Devotion

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

THIS year, I will finally lose those excess pounds.
THIS year, I will get my finances under control and start saving money.
THIS year, I will…
THIS year. THIS year. THIS year. What will it be for you?

Today is “Resolution Day” for many people. There’s something inspiring about a new year that motivates us to make plans and set goals. Even if you don’t write anything down, most of us consider ways we can improve our lives in both small and big ways that can positively impact our future. And yet, statistics reveal that most people never follow through for more than 17 days on all their positive intentions. That is depressing.

Today, in my quiet time, the Lord reminded me of a favorite verse noted above that I used to quote all the time. Perhaps you have as well. It is encouraging to know that God has good plans for us. And then it hit me. Perhaps we fail too often in our resolutions and plans because they are our plans and not the Lord’s.

So this year, I am spending this week praying and waiting on God to reveal to me the plans He has for me, rather than the plans I have for myself. I’m asking Him to show me the areas of my life He wants to focus on and the action steps He wants me to take to grow in those areas.

I am reminded of a favorite quote from Oswald Chambers that says:

“We cannot do what only God can do and He will not do what we can.”

I know from past experience that my expectations can be unrealistic, so I’m asking God to show me my part – the small steps I need to take that will move me forward. I need to give myself grace and time to get there by focusing on progress rather than perfection. With daily prayer and empowered by the Holy Spirit, I trust I will begin to realize the “hope and future” He has for me. I pray the same for you!