I’m Planning Next Year. Last year turned out nothing like I planned. Several huge things went massively wrong. They did the year before. So, why plan at all?
A Plan Is An Attitude
It means I’m not just drifting with the current, not merely blowing with the wind. I want to take the rudder and sail.
A Plan Is Not A Resolution.
I’m not making wishes or promises. I’m controlling what I can and rolling with the rest.
So, What’s My Plan?
I Plan To Pray
This doesn’t happen by accident. Left to chance, I intensely focus on prayer when things go desperately wrong. It’s the same for all of us. I’m going to be far more organized about communicating with the Lord of All who is willing to call Himself my Father. What an amazing blessing!
Yes, Bible study, church attendance, and much more are part of living a God-focused life, but I want to especially focus on prayer.
I Plan To Have Courage
This, also, is no accident. Courage is not something I own permanently. It’s a discipline I have to learn and practice. Without courage, nothing happens.
I Plan To Act
Taking action is the point of courage. Action also silences fear. Taking action quickly – after I pray, while I have courage – prevents second-guessing and doubt. Hesitation is the enemy. Action is my friend.
I Plan To Fight
I intend to fight the Good Fight as it is always fought, against the wind. Fighting is not passive. It is a core mindset, a heart-level response to spiritual warfare. But it’s a very different kind of war with distinct strategies and tactics that include loving your enemies, not annihilating them.
I Plan To Fight Fear All Year
And I’m going to talk about it – all year. Fear is the enemy of faith. Fear weakens. Fear yields. Fear turns bones to water. It is the weapon of enemies who wish to dominate. Especially this year, fear is half the battle.
“But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one.” ~ Luke 22:36
I Plan To Make Money
Just before Jesus was crucified, he changed the rules for the disciples. He knew the trouble that was coming and wanted them to be prepared. Part of that preparation was providing for our survival in the form of cash. Our enemies are actively and deviously trying to kill off our jobs and starve us into submission. We are commanded by Jesus to take care of our own. I plan to do it.
I Plan To Get Mobile
Tough times have often been the launching point to spread the Good News. We want to build comfortable hobbit holes and hope people will drop by. It’s not as easy as it used to be but I can’t reach everyone by the internet and I can’t get them to come to me. I’m not quite sure why I feel the need but I feel it. I’m creating a mobile media studio, something very new to me.
(P.S. I already have my “sword.”)
I Plan To Focus On Humility
I’ve made so many mistakes, it’s easy to stay silent. But that won’t work. I’m called to be a witness and that means talking. No one else knows everything. I know some things. Only God knows all. So, I should talk about God, and speak with humility.
I Plan To Be Flexible.
God placed us in today and doesn’t reveal all of His plans. That would exceed my limited abilities. He also gives us daily freedom of choice, so I will not get this right. But I can pray and adjust course. I plan to change this plan as necessary.
Finally, I Plan To Laugh . . .
A Lot. Mostly At Myself. Joy is independent of circumstances. It’s a choice. I Plan On Joy!
That’s enough plans to get me started. I wonder what will happen? Only God knows.
That’s my plan. I’d love to hear yours. If this has inspired some ideas, let me know in the comments. I’d love some pointers. Happy 2022!
