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Opening Scripture:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Your Plan or God’s Plan

We all have ideas, dreams, plans—big ones, bold ones. Some feel so right, so promising. But as followers of Christ, there’s a deeper question we must ask:
“Is this from God, or is this just me?”

It’s not always easy to tell. But the Bible gives us wisdom, discernment, and truth to help us align our plans with God’s perfect will.

Let’s talk today about how to know when your ideas are part of God’s plan—and how to trust Him when they’re not.

Not Every Good Idea Is a God Idea

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
— Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

Some of our ideas look good on paper—but they’re not part of God’s path. Not because God wants to spoil our dreams, but because He sees what we can’t.

Think about Abraham and Sarah. God promised a son, but when the waiting got long, they came up with their own plan—Hagar. That plan caused pain and conflict for generations.

Lesson? Even well-meaning shortcuts can carry long-term consequences.

God Is Not Obligated to Bless What He Didn’t Author

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1 (ESV)

It’s tempting to chase an idea and ask God to bless it after we’ve already committed to it.

But the right order is this: Seek God first. Submit the idea. Then move if He confirms it.

That’s how David operated. Before going into battle, he would ask:

“Shall I go up against them?” (2 Samuel 5:19)

And when God said yes, he went. And when God said no, he waited.

Let God be the Architect—not just the Inspector.

God’s Peace Accompanies His Plans

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”
— Colossians 3:15 (ESV)

Peace is not the absence of difficulty—it’s the presence of clarity.

When you’re walking in God’s will:

• There may still be challenges.
• There may still be unknowns.
• But there will also be peace deep in your spirit.

That peace doesn’t come from logic. It doesn’t come from applause. It comes from the Holy Spirit.

If your plan brings restlessness, confusion, or constant striving, pause and ask:
Is this God’s idea or mine?

God Confirms His Plans Through His Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

When you’re unsure about your direction, go to the Word.

God will never call you to a plan that contradicts Scripture.
He will never guide you toward sin, pride, selfish ambition, or compromise.
If your idea requires you to neglect your faith, your family, or your integrity—it’s not from God.

Let the Bible be your blueprint.

Wise Counsel Strengthens Discernment

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
— Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

When you’re trying to discern whether your idea is God’s will, don’t do it alone.

Talk to godly mentors. Pray with your church family. Seek wisdom from those who walk closely with the Lord.

If everyone around you is raising red flags, listen.
God often speaks through the community of believers.

Trust God When the Answer Is “Not Yet” or “No”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
— Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)

Sometimes, God says, “Wait.”
Sometimes, He says, “No.”
Not to punish—but to redirect us to something better.

Your dream may not be wrong—it just may not be right now. Or it may need refining. Or maybe God has something entirely different in mind.

But here’s the promise:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

If you trust Him, He’ll lead you—even through closed doors.

Surrender Your Plans to Jesus

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

The greatest decision you’ll ever make is not what career to pursue, who to marry, or where to live—it’s whether you’ll follow your plans or God’s plan for your life.

And God’s plan starts with this:
Salvation through Jesus Christ.
No idea matters more than this one truth:

“Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 (ESV)

If you’ve never fully surrendered your life to Him, today is your invitation.

Closing Scripture:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
— Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Prayer

Father,
You are the God who knows the end from the beginning. You see what we cannot. You lead where we need to go, not always where we want to go.

Lord, we ask for discernment today.
Help us to know when our ideas are aligned with Your plan—and when they’re not.
Give us ears to hear, hearts to obey, and patience to wait.

Where we’ve pushed ahead in pride, forgive us.
Where we’ve doubted Your timing, renew our trust.
And for those unsure of their next step, be the light on their path.

We lay down our plans, our agendas, and our ideas—so that Your will may be done in us and through us.

And for the one who hasn’t yet surrendered their life to You, let this be the moment of decision.
Let them trust in Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

We trust You, Lord, with all our hearts.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.