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Collision with Reality


I once heard a consultant say something to the extent that no plan can survive a collision with reality.  It was almost an odd thing to say since consultants often spend a lot of time helping their clients develop plans.  So why plan, then, if the plans can’t survive!

But it actually made sense, once an explanation was given.  The consultant indicated that as the organization’s plans are implemented, they face reality and reality includes changing needs.  Changing needs require a willingness to adjust direction and a flexibility to adapt.  There must also even be a willingness to abandon a plan if it isn’t working.  It almost sounded Biblical!  Allow me to explain…

Solomon once wrote that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Prov. 16:9).

A Psalmist wrote:  “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him.  For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.  The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:8-11)

God’s plans prevail.  That’s reality.  While it is entirely normal and even wise for us to make plans and endeavor to implement them, we must also remain flexible.  We must be willing to change directions or even abandon our plans entirely.  As God’s plans unfold, we need to adjust in such a way that we remain in step with His plans.  Otherwise, we will likely find ourselves out of touch with what He is doing.

To put it all in a Biblical perspective then, no human plan can survive a collision with God’s plans.  But even more importantly, God’s plans and purposes prevail all of the time and they will stand forever.  That’s something we can really plan on!

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