Planning

Planning

MY QUESTION for GOD

Should I spend my time praying instead of planning?

A MOMENT with GOD

The king . . . asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request. I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.

Nehemiah 2:6-8

Prayer is of paramount importance, but planning is still necessary. When Nehemiah had the chance to speak to the king, he was able to spell out how long his mission would take, what documents he would need, and even the method of construction he would use. The specificity and intelligence of Nehemiah’s replies was undoubtedly a factor in the king’s granting of his requests. Prayer and planning are partners. As you pray for God’s help, ask God to show you how you should proceed. Draw up a plan so that when God provides an opportunity, you will be ready to move forward.

DIVINE CHALLENGE

DON’T BEGIN UNTIL YOU COUNT THE COST. FOR WHO WOULD BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING WITHOUT FIRST CALCULATING THE COST TO SEE IF THERE IS ENOUGH MONEY TO FINISH IT?   Luke 14:28