Proverbs 16:9 (AMP)  A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. 

Our brains are bombarded this time of the year with goals, plans, and resolutions as to how to make our lives better in the upcoming year. Many are working on completing the plans that lingered from the previous year. Many are setting new goals and needless to say, some are doing a lot of wishful thinking.  I have always been in the same boat, until last year.

In January of 2013 the Lord impressed upon our hearts the problem with much of our planning.  We go into our projects without taking time to seek Him properly. We simply pray and ask Him to bless what we are doing instead of asking what it is that He had planned for us during that particular time and season.  The scripture reference says that a man’s mind plans his way, but it is the Lord that directs his steps. This tells me that we have to slow down and take the time necessary to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting as to how to proceed.  The Lord went on to share that in order for us to see the success we desired to see in that year we needed to work as well as pray.  In the challenging times He reminded us to plug back into our power source in order to be strengthened and get the proper vision to continue. Needless to say 2013 was a fruitful year in many areas of our lives.

I encourage you to make time to commune with the Lord this year about His plans for you.  Planning and doing is good, but make sure you are proceeding according to His timing for your life. This will cut out a lot of frustration and some of the hard work. Remember He makes everything beautiful in ITS time.    

For those that are making plans to better your physical and financial house, seek the Lord for the plan that is right for you. It is good to do your homework and study what others are doing, but find out what works for you and stick with it.   When it gets tough, rely on the Grace and the Power of GOD that is available to you. He is faithful to help you conquer the negative emotions, thinking patterns and to help refresh you in the process.   

As we proceed into 2014 let us remember that the days of our lives are already written in His book according to Psalm 139:16.  Yes, we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us but keep in mind also that we would only bear good fruit if we remain vitally connected to Him. (John 15:1-7).

Grace and peace be upon you!

© 2014 Mary Pinckney