The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. (Proverbs 16:1 ESV)

When our eyes envision the future, our hearts devise a plan to take us from where we are now to where we want to be. God has blessed us with two incredible gifts: the ability to see and the capacity to strategize. With these gifts, we can enrich our lives in unimaginable ways.

In Proverbs 16:1, Solomon says the plans of the heart belong to man: it is our responsibility to think and devise a strategy to fulfill the dreams that God has put in our hearts. Like any move of faith, if we see a dream and engage our hearts to devise a plan, the Spirit of the Lord steps into our planning and directs our hearts. 

Without vision or dreams, our lives are chaotic; without a strategy, even the best dreams or goals might never be fulfilled.

For Jesus, if we want to build a house (fulfill a dream), we should first sit down and count the cost—plan properly (Luke 14:28). It is essential that we not only write down our dreams and New Year’s resolutions but also plan strategically how to make them a reality.

Have you taken some time lately to think and devise a plan to reach the goals set in your spiritual life, ministry, finances, health, or any other area of your life? If not, I challenge you today to not let this week go by without you strategizing with the Spirit on what you need to do to move forward.

Meditate

What does “the plans of the heart belong to man” in Proverbs 16:1 mean? How does it apply to you?

Apply the Word

Do you plan with God? For instance, some have prayed and asked God for a financial breakthrough this year. But have they taken time to plan with the Spirit to know what you need to do? He is waiting for you in the place of planning.

Pray

Ask the Spirit to help you learn how to see and plan. 

Recommended

• The Power of Vision 
• The Power of Spiritual Preparation 
• Planning with God
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