This is an interesting question that came to mind as I reflected on the following scripture:

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) “Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

This verse is just one sentence but very powerful (which is not surprising ). I actually printed out a copy and personalized it by entering my name…

” Many are the plans in Robin’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose
that prevails.”

So, back to the question for all of us…” Are my plans in line with God’s purpose?” We often have many plans and ideas of what we want to do and where we want to be in life – however here’s a few steps we need to consider if it’s your desire to follow the LORD’s purpose.

Step One: Surrender Your Will to God’s
• This may sound basic however we must earnestly reflect on our obedience to truly surrender our will to God. I’m speaking to those that are saved but have struggled with the full ‘turn over’ of your will to God. Be careful that we’re not asking God to bless our plans and decisions if made without asking and seeking HIS direction. It’s not surprising to think that before God will reveal His will to us, we must be committed to doing whatever it is that He desires. If He knows we will not likely do that plan – why show us? Hum…

Step Two: Pay attention to how God has you wired.
• This is so important to me and so powerful. Know that God has created us to fulfill a specific role in this world. There is no one else who can achieve completely what God has purposely created you to do. (1 Peter 4:10)
His plan for you will always be directly related to the gifts that He has bestowed upon you. The good news is that you will be good at whatever it is that He has called you to do!

Step Three: Know God’s plan may go against what makes sense to us.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 is the best summation regarding this step.

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,’” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Step Four: Understand even the bad stuff may be part of the plan.
• When we’re going through rough times; we don’t always want to hear that it may be part of God’s plan and I don’t believe HE expects us to fake a smile when facing hard times but we can go to a familiar passage (Jeremiah 29:11) that allows us to hear

“I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you….”

Remember that God’s plan has a greater purpose. Let me close with this verse Ephesians 1:11-12 taken from the Message version:

“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.”

Some information Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/chris-russell/#