Today’s Blog: The ABCs of Planning
TODAY’S PROVERB: The plans of the heart belong to man, but the tongue’s answer is from Adonai. Proverbs 16:1, TLV
I love this chapter. The first nine verses tell us a story of the wise way to begin a new project or endeavor. As an author, I live in my head. Which can be a scary place sometimes — that’s why I especially love this passage.
But, whether you’re a writer, engineer, architect, teacher, parent, plumber — it doesn’t matter — creation begins with a seed. The “what if” of an idea. But where does that seed come from?
A. It begins with the seed . . .
I believe that seed — that spark — comes from the heart of GOD. As Creator of the Universe, He’s brilliant at, well, creation. Recognizing this brings Him into our project. Acknowledging that He provides the seed means we begin in gratitude.
The development of that seed can take seconds, minutes, months, years, sometimes a lifetime. We mull, scribble ideas, throw them away, begin again, think some more, research, then do all this over again until we’re ready to start the project. During this time, we continue to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction.
B. Write it Down
There are many verses that speak of writing down a word from the LORD. What if the ancient fathers had just talked about GOD’s word? Plus, when the Creator of the Universe says, “Write this down . . .” we better.
“Then Adonai answered me and said: “Write down the vision, make it plain on the tablets, so that the reader may run with it.”
HABBAKKUK 2:2, TLV
“Therefore it seemed best to me also, because I have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, to write for you an orderly record, most excellent Theophilus . . .”
LUKE 1:3, TLV
Sometimes, I’ll simply write what I sense from the Holy Spirit in my journal. Other times, I’ll begin a new journal/notebook because I know I’ll need the room to plan or plot — as in a book. How do I know the difference? I don’t always know, but generally, if the idea, vision, or dream is covered in passion, it gets its own domain.
As best we can, write it exactly the way we “heard” it or “saw” it. This is important. Then, date it. Another thing, write the circumstances when the idea, vision, dream arrived. I’ve always wished I’d done that. Sometimes I remember, but not always. Knowing that particular inspiration came at a time of tribulation or in a dream or in worship or indigestion, is relevant when we share the wonder of how this project began.
C. Distraction or Direction?
Many times there will be more moments of inspiration in this process. Sometimes these moments are distractions, other times it’s an expansion of the vision the LORD is giving you. Here’s where pressing in to know what is His guidance or just “a good idea” is critical.
And, this is why it’s so important to “write the vision.” Any new inspiration, can be compared to the original direction the LORD gave us. Pray for discernment. If we sense it’s coming from Him, then write it down, date it, and see what the LORD does.
D. Wise Counsel
Before we begin to work the “vision,” I would also recommend seeking out wise counsel. Proverbs is pretty adamant about seeking advice (Proverbs 1:7; 12:15; 13:10; 11:14; 19:20-21; 28:26 are just a few passages). But who do we seek advice from?
Not just anyone. It might seem logical to go to someone who has experience in the area we’re seeking to develop, but that’s not always prudent. We may default to seeking advice from friends that don’t want to hurt our feelings. Generally, not a good idea in situations like this.
Here’s where we need another layer of prayer and discernment. Seek the LORD who we should consult. Then judiciously follow His guidance.
There’s something about seeking counsel from others that makes the idea real. We begin to pull the dream from our mind, drawing board, computer, and take it into the real world. We will learn quickly that if we can’t share the seed and basic development of this idea in a few words, we haven’t fully developed that idea.
In the writing world — and I’ve discovered it also applies in corporate and media settings — it’s called the elevator pitch. If we can’t explain our dream in the amount of time it takes to travel a few floors in an elevator, then we’re not ready.
E. Due Diligence
It doesn’t matter if we believe our passion for an idea comes from the heart of GOD, we still have to do our due diligence. It’s part of the journey, and I believe just as important to our Heavenly Father as the completed job.
“Even before a word is on my tongue,
A PSALM OF DAVID, PSALM 139:4, TLV
behold, Adonai, You know all about it.”
Think about it, He could do all these great exploits Himself. He really doesn’t need us. Inviting us to participate is a sweet way for Him to include us in His Kingdom — and mature us in our faith. Which is pretty amazing, don’t you think?
May we realize the plans our Father has given us, my friends.
Proverbs 16:1 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
IS THERE A VISION, DREAM, OR PLAN GOD HAS GIVEN YOU? IS IT STILL IN YOUR HEART, BUT NOT REVEALED? IF THIS BLOG IS A BLESSING, PLEASE SHARE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
