Proverbs 20:18 (ESV)
Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war.

It’s usually never a good idea to go through with something big without having a plan. Every major victory in wars over the course of history were won because someone came up with a strategy on how to succeed. The same goes for life as well. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

In this specific verse in Proverbs, plans come with a purpose. To establish a purpose is to achieve it. Only God can help us with that. With His infinite wisdom and knowledge about ourselves and others, things will always go according to His perfect will. It is good to have a wise plan for the future. You shouldn’t worry about the future, but at the same time, you should still be prepared for any situation coming your way. That way, you can handle it with ease rather than cause a panic. You should only have a goal that sets you up to win. There is no point in moving forward with something significant unless God’s counsel is involved.

In order to have a good plan with a positive outcome, we have to set reasonable goals for ourselves that also please God. God’s plans have to dictate our decision-making process. Whether it’s buying a house, getting married, starting a new job or moving somewhere, we have to have a plan that works out with God’s will. Only then will we glorify God.

Life is full of constant battles. Sometimes we don’t win the battles, but knowing that God has already won the war should help motivate us to live a better life for Him. It’s easier to go through life knowing you’re going to win at the end. That kind of encouragement is what’s going to help us get through the everyday struggles and obstacles we face.

This week, pray about how you can set plans for your future. Meditate on some small goals that you can achieve every day. Pray for God to enter your heart, so He can strengthen you.