Study With Mack: How To Plan For Success – RECAP

If you missed the video series, you can catch up on the Mack the Maverick Facebook page.

In keeping with this month’s planning theme, I decided to take a leap of courage and do Mack the Maverick’s very first devotional “Study With Me.” For this first study, I chose TechTv.co’s How To Plan For Success – Life Is Easier When You Know Where You’re Going.

How To Plan For Success focuses on six steps to help us find direction in life through planning. We often view planning as a practical exercise, but this devotion explores planning as a spiritual exercise about which the Bible has much to say. Here’s my recap:

Day 1: Planning Is Good

Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 1:7-9

God never intended for us to live like ships without sails, tossed to and fro. He modeled the wisdom prudence of planning in His design for our lives. When you feel listless and without hope, remember that you can seek and find direction in Him – if you just ask.

Day 2: Start With Prayer

Scriptures: Psalms 143:8; Amos 3:7; Isaiah 28:29

There are so many competing priorities and pressures in life. We must prioritize prayer in order to understand our God-given destiny. Also, we must resist outside pressures about what we should do or be, having faith in God’s word and will, for the heart of our contentment lies in the fulfillment of this destiny. What we do for Christ will last – make time for it.

Day 3: Plan In Writing

Scriptures: Habakkuk 2:2; Exodus 34:27; Job 23:12

Once again, we see that planning is an exercise in modeling the behavior of God. We see, as evidenced in the scriptures, where God either told someone to write down what He said or He did it himself. The Word itself is almost like God’s To-Do List in a way – of promises. It is powerful and encouraging to see the Lord answer prayers – and keep his promises as you’ve written them as plans.

Day 4: Plan With Advisors

Scriptures: I Corinthians 14:29; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 20:18

It is wise to surround yourself with people who you can trust to tell you the truth and give you sound counsel. Equally important is surrounding yourself with the RIGHT people for the right purpose. Your team should consist of diverse perspectives and backgrounds. After all, you wouldn’t call a carpenter for hair advice, right? LOL. In seeking advice, though, we must be careful not to “cast our pearls” to swine – not everyone is meant to entertain your plans. Protect your God-given vision; it is precious. *Bonus Tip: If you are dating for marriage, watch how your significant other operates in planning and decision making, for you will be doing these things together and consulting one another for the rest of your lives. If you wouldn’t trust them to advise you, you should think twice about them.

Day 5: Get To Work

Scriptures: Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 16:3

The seed you plant today is not the fruit you eat today. And no seed grows that we do not tend. It’s great to spend time planning and doing due diligence, but it’s all for naught if you take action. Among the things that stop us from following through are fear and difficulty, but these can be overcome with consistent determination – and FAITH. If you know God gave you a dream and plan, do your part and KNOW He is doing his.

Day 6: Make Changes If Needed

Scriptures: II Corinthians 1:15-17; Romans 8:14; Proverbs 16:9; Proverbs 19:21; James 4:13-15; Romans 8:28

Nothing is scarier than having to change course in the middle of a journey, or more frustrating than having a setback. Don’t let it discourage you; adapt and adjust, learn and grow. Save yourself the heartache of disobedience. Go back and plan your work, work your plan, and trust that all things are working for your good because you are called according to His purpose.

You can find this devotional and many more on the YouVersion app or Bible.com.