Why trusting God isn’t enough

Often, when people are asked about their plans for the future they answer, “I’m just trusting God.” Although as a Christian, that sounds right, it isn’t biblically correct.

Proverbs 29:18 says that people without a vision (a strategy or plan) will never reach their God-given destiny, no matter how much they trust God to do it for them. You see, to bring us to the fullness of our destiny, God downloads His plans and strategies and expects us to follow them.

Planning for our future is important and is God’s way to assure His success in our life. At the same time, counting on God to direct us is essential.  It’s actually a joint effort, a co-laboring between God and us!

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” In other words, God expects our cooperation to accomplish His will. We do it…but it’s through His strength!

Are you cooperating with God to accomplish His purposes and plans in and through you? Proverbs 13:16 tells us a wise man thinks (plans) ahead; but a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it! The fool says, “I don’t need to plan; I’ll just trust God.” Yes, we trust in God, but we seek His plan and rely on Him to order our steps daily. Ask yourself:

1. Am I following God’s plans and strategies (vision) for my life or my own desires? Don’t make your desires God’s. Instead, surrender to Him. Pray, “Lord, I want Your will, not mine.”

2. Make sure that every day you’re on His road to success and haven’t taken a detour. The Holy Spirit helps you stay on course by bringing deep conviction when you start to wander. Develop a listening heart to hear His still small voice. Ask if the choices you’re about to make align with His plans or if you need a course adjustment.

3. Watch out for pride. Pride happens when you take His designed plan and purpose into your own hands, making it yours. When we think that God will automatically put His stamp of approval on everything we do, we’re putting a stumbling block between us and success.

4. Write down the vision God downloads into your spirit. We easily forget His plans when too many distractions confuse the vision God gave us. I suggest you write down the vision, as Habakkuk 2:2-4 instructs. And review it often.

5. Finally… the strategy and plan that God gives you needs a constant upgrade. Why? Because He gives us what we need, but it’s usually one step at a time and the first few steps might be different than the second few steps. Depend on God (not yourself) to get from point A to point Z.

Change is the Christian’s way of life. God is always re-aligning us to His purposes, keeping us on the potter’s wheel so He can mold us into vessels of honor!

So don’t just say I’m trusting God for my future. Know His strategies and plans. Co-labor with God and live with the confidence that what He started in you He will be faithful to finish!