Assessment – Planning – Doing
I think most people are constantly assessing things and making plans based on those assessment. For example, if I’m planning to work outdoors, I will need an assessment of the weather we are expecting. There are many more assessments that need to be made as I make plans.
I recently heard a powerful quote/axiom: “Write your plans in pencil and your principles/values in ink.” My values and principles should be non-negotiable and my plans and the planning I do comes from my values.
Nehemiah had the support of the king of Persia, King Artaxerxes. He quietly assembled the plans and assessed the situation upon his arrival in Jerusalem. Check this out….
11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, 12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding.
16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. 17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.
They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. (Nehemiah 2:11-12, 16-18 NLT)
As we enter into the last month or so of the year, I’m look ahead to a new year and lots of plans. I’m reminded of the quote from a song, “If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans”. I do tell the Lord my plans. In fact, I think all of my plans should be put before Him. I want to plan some vacation time, but there are many variables for sure. There are family members who may have health issues as well as my own health to consider. I think plans should be somewhat fluid and adjustable for sure.
I want to be inside the Lord’s plans for me and my life.
I want to consistently by the values and principles He’s wired into my heart as I seek to follow Him. I want His Spirit to help me assess and plan. I want to have the courage to follow through with those plans and the implementation part. The plans the Lord directs for me often involve my doing and serving on His behalf. I carry His name as I carry out His plans and His will for my life. Meanwhile, I’ll keep assessing and planning based on the truth of His Word and His Spirit in me directing my path and my plans.
Pressing On!
Dwayne