God Plans Good Moves

We had been strategizing ways to complete my Mom’s move from her apartment to a senior nursing home facility. For over six months, plans were being developed to identify movers, storage facilities, and family schedules not only for that process, but also the content of heirlooms, vintage, clothing, accessories, and furniture. After reviewing the contents, we discovered it would likely take longer than expected. The winter season was upon us, and travel concerns led to shifting climatic reports and dates. Several leading passages of scripture confirm evidence that seeking guidance is relevant to pursuing Christ first. Proverbially speaking, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).  It is a reminder that God himself considers and is concerned about our actions and plans.

The rendering of the heart shapes the steps toward the best plan by honoring that Christ wants to be a part of them. Abraham and Moses followed the strategies that God had outlined for their journeys in ways that honored the vision for his people. They implemented the vision, not without challenges, disappointments, and setbacks (Genesis 12 and Exodus 33:14-15 NIV). While other insights may not have been precedent for us at the beginning of the planning process. We later succumbed to doubt, a change of plans, and unforeseen emergencies. However, our hearts were there, wanting to do what was right for Mom. In Proverbs, much is revealed through verses that paint the heart. For instance:

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided (Proverbs 16:1-6 NIV).

Several influencers in God’s word point to ways that include being mindful of the cost of planning. Although we may have good intentions when planning moves, it will necessitate having a designated leader who counts the costs:

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish’(Luke 14:28-30 NIV).  

In the end, we knew that working together, we would get the move done. We agreed on scheduled times and dates, researched storage facilities, moving companies, and designated drivers. And came up with a budget and split the cost. Most of all, coming together as a family worked well, and so did all the fun of meeting up for dining. I know my Mom would be proud of us!  We formed a collective leadership team (Proverbs 11:14 NIV). Let God help you plan the best moves.

Submitted by,

Dr. Philomena M. Johnson