B. DEVELOPING CONVICTIONS

Over the years, a great scripture on life planning is Proverbs 16:9: “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” The privilege of life planning and understanding that plans do not always work out the way one desires needs a response. It can be comforting to know that the Lord has directed one’s steps even when one steps off the path.  God will direct a person’s steps. Over 15 years ago, coaching was available to help one build a life plan. This provided a very helpful process to think through multiple areas of life as accounts. How would one plan to deposit into different parts of life such as spiritual, family, marriage, finances, health, friendship, leadership, and serving and fun? This life planning was a great help.  An excellent resource on this is Living Forward by Daniel Harkavy.

In Proverbs 24:3,4 in the living Bible, it says,

“Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by staying abreast of the facts.”

1. What do you observe from this passage?

2. What does wise planning mean?

3. Where does “common sense” fit into life planning?

4. How do we stay abreast of the facts in our life and its many facets?

5. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days so we can present to Him a heart of wisdom,” What does it mean to number our days?

1. How does the teaching on life planning apply to this verse?

2. What barriers do you experience in thinking about life planning?

3. What do you see as your first step?

4. When will you get started in setting up a rule of life?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?