Developing a Plan for Your Life

I have heard this so many times, but I really needed to hear it today. If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. If you are anything like me, you find yourself creating plans only to have them completely altered. A wise man in one of my bible studies in Celebration, Florida once said, "I wish God would through me some curve balls. I feel like I have been given this perfect life with no hurricanes or tornados to challenge my world. I wish He would be so kind and shake things up a little bit." On one hand, I really envy him. I am constantly praying to see a glimpse of what his life is like. But, in reality there was a great lesson learned by what he was saying. You really are not growing unless you are challenged. Change = Challenge. A life with little or no challenges can be the ultimate curse verses blessing. In baseball, you can't become a better 3rd baseman unless a million balls are hit at you and your chest becomes black and blue. As much as I plead with God to stop throwing me curve balls, I know He has my best interest at heart. I also know His plan is always better than mine. It always has been; therefore, I have reason to believe it always will be. So, if someone ever asks you, "do you have a plan?" The best answer to give, "Yes, I am on God's plan". You might sound lost and unsettling because this is not the answer people are looking for when they asking you the "What's your plan question". But, everything else is truly meaningless unless your plan entails His directions. Unfortunately, His timing does not always match your expectations or desires. This means you have to be focused and steadfast in your faith knowing He will revieal His plan when the time is right. Which plan are you on, God's or your own?

Developing a plan with God
Here are some steps to take in order to make this happen.

1) Find a place where you can truly feel His presence and pray with God. Ask Him to reveal what His plans are on a micro or macro level.

2) If you are at peace with not having a plan, you are probably on the right track, especially if you are the type of person who needs everything perfectly in order. This usually means you are able to feel God's grace and hand in your life. However, this does not give you the right to be lazy. You need to constantly be seeking His plan. But only on His time, He will give you some clues or reveal what His plans are during the course of your journey. When you get your marching orders, be passionate and bold.

3) Don't be afraid to interact with others and see if God is speaking to you through them. Godly men and women will never make you feel ashamed for being venerable and not having all the answers. In all reality, anyone who thinks they have the answer is the person who has no clue. I sometimes think I have all the answers. This is when I need to check myself or have someone else check me so I can realize again how clueless I am.

Resource: Interview with God

Bible Reference (NASB): Isaiah 8
Isaiah 8:9-10

9"Be broken, O peoples, and be shattered;
And give ear, all remote places of the earth.
Gird yourselves, yet be shattered;
Gird yourselves, yet be shattered.
10"Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted;
State a proposal, but it will not stand,
For God is with us.

Everyone Needs a Playbook

Life is one big endless game played in a series of smaller events. It is a journey, not a destination. Without a playbook you are playing a game with one hand tied behind your back. My playbook is The Bible (version: NASB). It is my guide in life which never fails me. It gives me clues and/or answers to all my questions. This sometimes requires I am listening, praying, and/or actively seeking for the answers found in the Word.



I say the game of life is endless because we are either going to heaven or hell. At 90-years old, Pastor JD Phillips from Alabama would say, "Hell is Hot! So come with me to heaven". If you ever have the pleasure to hear Pastor Phillips say this, you too will begin believing in heaven and hell. Just one look into his eyes, you would see God is real and alive.



I am promised a life of eternity if: 1) I truly believe Jesus died on the cross as payment for my sins. 2) I allow God's presence to fill my heart and soul so I am engaged in His purpose for my life. I am not promised a life without trials and tribulation. I am not promised a life without sin or mistakes. But, I am required to do my best with what has been gifted to me, my life.

Think about this for a moment, doesn't the game get much easier when you do not have to create the rules as well? Just playing the game is hard enough. Imagine trying to play football without any rules to start with. Most likely you would never play the game, because, so much time and energy would be spent creating the rules. This applies to the game of life as well. A great rule to follow on this one, KISS - Keep it simple stupid. Get a playbook!

If you don't have a bible and would like one, please feel free to email me at: james@jameszimbardi.com.