How can Proverbs 16:3 guide us in planning, as seen in Luke 14:30? Connecting the Verses “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” “…saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’” What It Means to “Commit” • “Commit” in Proverbs 16:3 carries the picture of rolling a heavy burden off your shoulders and onto the Lord’s. • It is more than a quick prayer; it is transferring ownership of every step, deadline, and outcome to Him (Psalm 37:5; 1 Peter 5:7). • When we roll our plans onto the Lord, He establishes (“makes firm”) every necessary detail. Planning God’s Way 1. Begin with surrender, not strategy. 2. Seek God’s wisdom first (James 1:5) instead of treating prayer as the last resort. 3. We still plan diligently—Proverbs commends foresight (Proverbs 21:5)—but our hearts stay yielded, ready for God to adjust the blueprint (Proverbs 19:21). Avoiding the Half-Built Tower (Luke 14) • Jesus’ illustration of the unfinished tower warns against impulsive, self-reliant planning. • The ridicule in verse 30 shows the cost of projects begun without counting both the earthly expense and the spiritual cost of discipleship. • Proverbs 16:3 supplies the remedy: first commit, then construct. God’s confirmation prevents the embarrassment of an abandoned tower. Practical Steps for Today • Write the plan, then lay it before the Lord—literally pray over the document or calendar. • Ask, “Is this Your idea or mine? Trim what distracts from Your purposes.” • Build in margins; flexibility allows God to redirect without the stress of over-commitment. • Revisit the plan regularly, inviting course corrections (Psalm 32:8). • Celebrate progress as God’s faithfulness, not personal achievement (1 Corinthians 4:7). Encouraging Scriptures for Faith-Filled Planning • Proverbs 3:5-6—trust, acknowledge, and He will make your paths straight. • Isaiah 30:21—a voice saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” • Philippians 1:6—He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. |
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