What Makes A Plan Succeed?

What is the plan that will really succeed? Have you ever worked tirelessly on something, only to watch it crumble or fail in front of you?

Or maybe you’ve seen the opposite. Something small and ordinary turned into a huge success. Why is that?

I know for me, I make lists, set goals, schedule deadlines, and push hard to get things done. Wendy might even out-plan me. We both like order, structure, and clarity. But at the end of the day, is that what really makes success? I don’t think so.

Because in the middle of my best plans came cancer. Or unexpected family situations. Or friends walking through crisis. We can plan, but only God causes those plans to succeed. It’s so easy to forget that.

King Solomon once said, “There is no wisdom, understanding, or advice that can succeed against the Lord. You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the Lord who gives the victory” (Proverbs 21:30-31 NCV).

Solomon had seen battles, wealth, wisdom, and power. He was a builder, an organizer, a planner. Yet he learned that human strength and careful strategies could only go so far. The outcome is always in the hands of God.

That doesn’t mean we quit planning or stop working hard. I think we should give life all we can give. Yet the Bible says, “Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3 NCV).

I think the real key is planning and prayer together. We work diligently, but we surrender the outcome to God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. They are the supernatural element we need. We stay flexible.

James reminded us, “But you should say, ‘If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:15 NCV).

Our future, our success, even our very breath, rests in God’s will. He gives life, He directs, and sometimes He brings us home sooner than we planned.

So the real plan for success is not about sharper systems or smarter strategies and getting all stressed out if things don’t go as we planned. It’s about alignment, trust, and prayer. Align your goals with God’s purposes. Walk in step with the Spirit. Live like Christ - it sounds religous, but it’s your better strategy.

I like to think about it with my Three P’s. First, ponder. Read God’s Word and think deeply about your life, where you’re going, and where you want to end up.

Second, pray. Pray about the things you ponder. Ask God for direction and timing, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. And don’t forget to count your blessings and show gratitude for what He’s already given.

Third, plan. Make a plan with real deadlines to build urgency and momentum. But here’s the deal: stay open and flexible. It’s just a plan.

If God has another, it’s better than yours and mine. “The Lord makes plans, and they succeed because of his faithful love” (Psalm 33:11 NCV).

Honestly, that’s the only plan that really matters.

God, help me believe and live out what I know. Help me work hard, plan well, and succeed—but only succeed in what You have planned for me. IJNIP amen. ♥️