God’s Plan > Your Plan - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - December 05, 2025
"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps" (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).
What is your biggest dream? Is it to live in a mansion, or to make so much money that you never have to worry about money again? Or, your dream is to travel the world. Your heart longs to see God's creation, and something within calls you to explore Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
No matter the dream, one thing is sure: If you don't plan how to accomplish the goal or ambition, you never will. Our imaginations can run wild all we want, but without practical action steps, they are merely daydreams and magical figments.
When I was 14, I felt the Lord tell me that I was called to be an author. In 2010, being an author sounded all the rage. I couldn't wait to write books, produce thousands of articles, and share the Gospel in this way. Little did I know that this calling would require so much more than words on a page. And over the years, I've learned something important about pursuing our dreams.
While God invites us to plan and pursue our deepest desires, He also asks us to trust Him more than our own plans.
In Proverbs 16:9, we read that God isn't against planning. In fact, He actually encourages wisdom and stewardship. We're told to count the costs before we begin anything, such as building a house or becoming one of His followers. But here's the catch—He wants the final authority over the direction of your life. Why? Because He knows what's best, and while we can't see the future trajectory mapped out, He can.
Planning is reasonable and necessary, but it becomes a problem if it isn't open and flexible to the Lord's will. So, what do we do? We can learn to plan and pursue a path, but we must allow God to guide the pace, turns, timing, and terrain. In other words, we can daydream and work towards our goals, but ultimately, we must surrender them wholly to Him.
This all sounds lovely, right? We plan, but God directs. And it's beautiful until we struggle with control. How do I know? Because I love control and hate feeling out of control. We love control because it feels safe and secure. But God offers something better beyond our vision. He gives us purpose, protection, provision, and perspective. As Mr.Beaver in the Chronicles of Narnia notes to Susan:
"Safe? Who said anything about safe? Of course, He isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you" (The Chronicles of Narnia).
Allowing God to be in charge of your life doesn't mean you lose control over your choices. God has given each of us the gift of wisdom, discernment, and free will through Jesus. But God's sovereignty weaves our choices into His greater story.
If you're struggling to plan, but then let God have the reins, I want to normalize your frustrations. When things don't go the way we planned or wanted, God sees you and never shames your emotions. It's normal to question, doubt, and cry out in anguish.
But once you've processed, I'd invite you to see these changes not as failures or let-downs, but divine redirections.
-That relationship didn't work out because God was protecting your heart.
-That job didn't open up because He had a better one in store.
-The delay wasn't punishment but preparation for something you couldn't even imagine.
Realigning your vision to these redirections doesn't ignore reality, but helps you to release the pressure of having to know and understand everything right now. It allows us to let go of knowing "what's next" in exchange for the presence of His faithfulness in the present moment.
Where do you feel pressure to control the outcome at the moment? Where might God be redirecting you?
As you process these questions, pray with open hands. Name the dream or plan you're gripping tightly and then release your hands. Ask God to guide your steps even if they look different from what you dreamed or imagined.
Dear Jesus,
Today, I surrender my hopes, dreams, plans, and greatest desires to you. You know the desires of my heart, but you also know what's best for me. Please help me hold these ambitions with open hands as you guide my next steps. When the path feels unfamiliar, delayed, or like the biggest disappointment, please remind me to trust your timing. Thank you for your wisdom, grace, truth, and love. Please help me to trust you today. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord. Amen.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Emma Simpson
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
