Often times we are pressured by society to make 3 year, 5 year, and even 10 year plans for how we expect our lives to pan out.
As a kid we typically plan out the following:
·By 21, I will graduate from college.
· By 22, I will have my dream job.
·By 24, I will be married and have my first kid.
· By 30, I will be in the top of my career
·By 50, I will have my first grandkid.
·By 55, I will retire.
These goals seem ideal and realistic, but what happens when they don’t pan out? Often times we spend so much time planninge that before we know it, we are 25 and half of the list hasn’t been completed.
You see, it’s great to strategize your future, to set goals, and reach for them; however, just because we think we have to reach it within a certain time frame, doesn’t mean it is in God’s time for us to do so.
To understand this we must look at Proverbs 16:9 NIV which states, «In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.»
Alright, so you might be thinking, «Am I wasting my time planning?»
The answer is no. Creating a long-term plan can be beneficial to our personal and professional development, and is definitely encouraged.
On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that if something doesn’t go according to the plan, that we don’t get discouraged and think, «Nothing ever goes my way.»
As humans, we are impulsive and quick to jump to an opportunity. How could we not be? Our society pressures us to be «go-getters», not only in our jobs but also in our relationships. These «pushers» label missed opportunities and break-ups as rejections and failures rather than learning experiences and steps in a different direction.
Rather than feeling disappointed in ourselves, we should take a breath and realize that maybe we were skipping steps that God had established for us. This is easier said than done, so here are a few phrases to keep in mind:
· What did I learn from this experience?
· How can I grow from this?
· What other opportunities could be opening?
Most importantly, as we ask ourselves these questions, we keep in mind that we work under God’s time. When something doesn’t go according to the plan and you feel like the world is pushing you down into the pit of failure, it’s okay to fall to your knees under the pressure. While you are there you can pray to the Lord. Thank Him for the chance to learn and ask Him for the strength to stand and what steps he has set for you. Once you are back on your feet, it is time continue your journey towards the rewards and blessings He has already established.
