More than a Check list

More than a Check List

Are you a list maker?

What about setting goals for the year?

I am definitely a list maker, but I don’t usually set yearly goals. This year, though, I did make a list of things I wanted to work on.

For work, I wrote: Stay focused and organized. Be intentional for God.

Personally, I wrote: Grow closer to God. Get healthy. Spend time with family. Pay off debt. Connect with others.

I have this list taped to my desktop in my office so I can see it every day.

I also have a prayer written out that says:

“God, You know what my body, mind, and soul need—guide me. Thank You, Lord, for the renewal that You bring. All I am is Yours. Amen.”

There are some days when I look at these notes and am happy to say I think I’m doing pretty well. Then there are other days when I look at them and think about everything I still need to do.

So basically, I’ve made progress, but there is still work to be done.

Even though I don’t normally make lists like this, I’m glad I did because they have become a daily reminder of the prayers I’ve prayed and the things I’ve asked God to do in my life.

God already knows my list, and He hears every one of my prayers. For that, I am incredibly thankful.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

These are wonderful verses for every season of life, and as we look back to the beginning year and take a moment to evaluate where we are, they are especially good to remember.

First, we need to commit our actions to the Lord. Yes, the Scripture says our plans will succeed if we do, but even when things don't go the way we expected, we have already committed ourselves to God. No matter what happens, our desire is to bring Him glory, and that perspective helps us navigate life with greater peace.

Second, we can absolutely make plans and commit them to God. But we must also remember that no matter how carefully we've planned things, God's ways are better. That's why our commitment to Him comes first.

These two verses fit together beautifully. What we do and what we have belong to the Lord. When we commit ourselves to Him, we can trust that while our plans may seem good, God's plans are always greater.

When I look at my list and see the progress I've made, I know it is because God has been with me, helping me every step of the way.

When I look at my list and only see everything that's left to do, I realize I'm looking at it through my own perspective instead of God's.

God isn't sitting there saying, "Well, you've done this... but look at everything you still haven't accomplished."

No—that's me.

And if I'm honest, that's exactly the kind of thinking the enemy wants me to have. He wants me to focus on what I haven't done instead of recognizing how faithful God has been and how much He has already accomplished in me.

Be careful with your lists, my friends.

Talk them over with God. Make sure they align with His will and His purpose for your life. When they do, you'll find yourself walking the path He has laid out for you instead of trying to create one on your own.

Jeremiah 29:11 is another verse many of us know well. It says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

If you're struggling with your plans today and they feel more like a burden than a blessing, I encourage you to seek the Lord.

Just as this Scripture reminds us, His plans are for our good. They don't lead to confusion, fear, or uncertainty. They lead to peace, clarity, purpose, and hope.

There is always hope with the Lord.

When you commit your plans—and your heart—to Him, you'll discover that the greatest success isn't simply checking things off your list. It's faithfully walking the path God has prepared for you.

I have to say when look at my list overall so far – God is faithful and He really does provide.

So here are a few questions you can ask yourself –

Have I talked with God about my list or plans?

What does God think of my list or plans?

Is my list or plans aligned with God’s will?

When we go to God and we align our plans with Him, we will be intentional in what God has for us and also knowing that He is in control and all will work out for our good and His glory allows us to stay hopeful through the journey.