Can we have a concrete, actionable strategic plan and still leave room for the Holy Spirit to bless the vision and bestow God's plan as well? How do we navigate both?
God puts thoughts and ideas on our hearts and provides the means to accomplish them. Through careful planning AND prayer you can accomplish great things.
You can have a great plan by itself. You can ask God to bless an idea you have and hope it happens. But just imagine the possibilities when you combine both. The Bible actually has a lot to say about this.
“Where there is no vision the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
Starting a Strategic Plan
The term "strategic plan" often refers to a plan that a business, church, or organization puts together to grow. To get more business, more parishioners, more donors, etc. However, you can use a strategic plan for many areas of your life like your education, your career, your health, and your spiritual growth.
#1. Write it Down
If you keep your plan in your head it will likely just stay there. Writing down your goal and the outcome you would like to see is the first step of forming a plan.
“And the Lord answered me, write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so they may run who read it.” Habakuk 2:2
#2. Pray About It
Asking God to bless your plan, guide you, put the right people in your path, and bestow success for the plan is important. Involving God in all decisions, big and small, will provide peace of mind that you are doing the right things.
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
#3. Seek Help and Guidance
By involving other Christians or Professionals in your plan you create accountability and gain guidance. After you determine what your goal is, your strategic plan needs action items. How will you achieve the goal? Who can help you? What steps do you need to take? Who has done this before and can provide insight?
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:2
#4. Execute the Plan
Now that you have a plan and a way to make it happen you need to execute. Do the things that will make the goal a reality. Be accountable to God, to yourself, and the people who believe in you and are helping you. You may need to revise the plan from time to time. Some steps may take longer than you thought. That is ok. As long as you keep praying and keep the goal and vision on your heart, it will happen.
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9
#5. Continue to Pray
Check in with God regularly about your plan. Be thankful for the progress you make and the people who help you. Thank God for each step that is achieved. Pray for continued guidance.
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." Proverbs 21:5
Does God Have a Plan for Me?
Yes, God does have a plan for you. You also have plans for you. The two of you make a mighty team and can accomplish great things. As long as God is your highest council you can't go wrong.
If your plan involves college education, online classes, a degree, or additional training, Great Lakes Christian College offers many programs for different strategic goals. We have traditional on-campus and online programs.
Make an appointment today to learn more.
We can't wait to hear from you!
