By Tope Banso
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:28-31 New King James Version).
Wise planning is essential to realizing your goals in life and living a fulfilled life. Unfortunately, many people don’t plan, let alone engage in wise planning. Some try to give the impression that they have faith in God, and therefore, there is no need to plan. They say that God is in control and will work out all things in their favour!
However, such people are only stretching one truth to the extreme, remaining blind to another truth or possibly other truths. Planning is not the same as being anxious. Planning is not opposed to faith. In fact, if you don’t plan wisely, you may make a shipwreck of your faith.
It is true that despite our plans, some things can still happen that we didn’t expect, which may work against our plans. However, those who plan wisely are able to handle such cases better than those who have no plans or didn’t plan wisely.
You need to plan your life, family, finances, business, ministry, retirement, etc. Somebody said he would have as many children as he wanted because God is the One who takes care of children! He called my attention to Genesis 1:28 where God says be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, and subdue it. But I told him that the said command is not for him alone; it is for the human race! It was a command to humankind and not one man!
That fellow didn’t have to bring children into the world that he may not have the means to provide for and train. 2 Corinthians 12:14 says parents are to provide for their children.
Plan wisely. Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:28-31 New King James Version).
Jesus continued: “Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace” (verses 31-32 New King James Version).
Plan wisely; don’t be deceived that planning is not necessary. Many have put themselves under unnecessary pressure, or even put themselves to shame because they failed to plan wisely. Plan wisely. God is the Master Planner. In the book of Genesis, we see how He planned the work of creation. Everything was done in an organized manner. According to Amos 3:7, “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets” (New International Version). Did you see that the LORD has plans?
In Jeremiah 29:11, The LORD says, “‘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’” (New International Version). The LORD has plans. You should, too.
Wise planning will help you to decide and set your goals, give you clear direction and enable you to allocate resources, human and material, wisely. With planning, you’ll be able to articulate strategies to achieve your goals. It will also enable you to identify and assign roles and responsibilities. In addition, planning wisely will help you to work out a realistic budget and evaluate the plan you’ve implemented.
Joseph advised King Pharaoh on how to plan for the seven years of famine. He came up with a food storage programme to be implemented during the seven years of great plenty (Genesis 41:25-36). That wise planning saved the the world from hunger during the famine that ravaged the world that time.
Proverbs 6:6-8 says to learn from the ant how without a captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
You should pray and plan wisely. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version). Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (New International Version).
In making your plans, you need to pray, because many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). Some make plans, but they’re foolish plans. The rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 had a bountiful harvest. but made a foolish, selfish plan. This cost him his life same day. He didn’t survive the night. Some people made so much money in the past, but squandered it because of foolish plans or no plans.
Plan wisely. “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind” (Proverbs 21:5 The Message). According to Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (New International Version). Obviously, they are wise advisers! Proverbs 24:3-4 says, “Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts” (The Living Bible).
According to Proverbs 2:11, “Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe” (New Living Translation). “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 New Living Translation).
May you learn to plan wisely so that you won’t regret in future. May you seek God’s help as you plan and may He make “all your plans succeed” (Psalm 20:4b New International Version).
If you’re not born again, repent of your sins today and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Whoever comes to Him, He will by no means cast out.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I receive wisdom to plan wisely every department of my life.
This is wisdom for living, and it’s worth sharing. Please share.
(For more inspiring messages, visit: www.cedarministry.org).
▪ Banso, an Abuja-based minister and pastor, is the head of Cedar Ministry International, and can be reached at any of these addresses:
cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com; or on:
Tel No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
