by Elder Aries de Vera
Reading for the day: Proverbs 16:3
A few days into 2025, we still have time to reflect and meditate on the goodness of God for the past year and to also plan for the rest of the year. The new year brings a sense of anticipation and a desire for a fresh start. It’s a time for reflection on the past and for setting goals for the future. But how do we ensure that our plans for the new year are not just wishful thinking, but a roadmap towards a fulfilling and God-honoring life?
Planning is important, but the words of God in Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that our plans, when aligned with God’s will, have a greater chance of success.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Planning is not about control, but about thoughtful consideration of our goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Big and successful companies devote themselves into strategic planning to amass profit. They spend millions and even billions of dollars for research and development to ensure their growth and prominence. But planning is not only beneficial for businesses or enterprises but it is also valuable to any individual vying for a bright future.
We must have a master plan that we can use in our pursuit of excellence in our lives and in our service to Him.
What is the importance of planning? When we plan, it allows us to identify our priorities. When we know our priorities, it gives us a clear picture of what must be accomplished in a certain time. Planning also helps us to set realistic goals that we can use to set contingencies and avoid the risks of failure. With a concrete plan, it’s easier to allocate our resources effectively. Whether it’s time, finances, or energy, planning helps us make the most of what we have. And in our planning, it keeps us focused and motivated. Having a plan provides direction and helps us stay on track, even when faced with challenges.
In the Church, we have various tools that we can use to plan our way for success. One of which is the SPA Planner. It is a perfect tool for us to set our plans clearly and efficiently. It is a very practical material to write our reflections and to lay-out our visions for the coming days, weeks, months and the whole year. By God’s grace, we have been re-introduced to a traditional but effective way of planning. As a daily journal, it also gives us a space or an opportunity for reflection and meditation.
And for every believer, God has given us the most powerful tool that we can use to succeed with our plans – which is none other than prayer! Devotion to prayer is one of the many legacies that the Goodman of the House, our late beloved Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol has left us. There is power in prayer. We will have a masterful plan when we devise it with prayer.
What is the Role of Prayer in Planning?
- Seek God’s Guidance: Prayer is not just a last resort; it’s the foundation upon which our plans should be built. We must seek God’s wisdom and direction in every aspect of our lives. We must depend on what God can do for us. Why? Because God’s plan is perfect (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty: We recognize that our plans are ultimately subject to God’s will. We pray for His guidance and trust in His timing (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Find Strength and Courage: The journey towards our goals may be filled with obstacles and hindrances. Prayer provides the strength and courage to persevere through challenges (Philippians 4:6).
- Express Gratitude: As we pray and plan, we express gratitude for the blessings we have received and for the opportunities that lie ahead. Prayer is the best way to acknowledge God for all he has done in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Planning for the new year is not just about setting goals; it’s about aligning our lives with God’s purpose. We can have a bag full of plans but if it’s not divinely guided it will not come into fruition. The ratio of failure to success is high if we do not seek the counsel of God in our plans.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
By seeking His guidance through prayer and taking practical steps towards our goals, we can experience a year of growth, fulfillment, and spiritual flourishing. A master plan is a plan made perfect with God!
Reflection: What are your plans for this year? How are you aligning your goals and visions to the will of God?
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