99Plan TimeReally, faith and planning aren’t on opposite ends of the spec-
trum; they are on opposite sides of the same coin.
Planning isn’t something we do apart from God; it’s some-
thing we do with Him. It is the bridge between the listening
and obeying, between the calling and sending, between hear-
ing and doing. Planning connects the dots of our faith.
Faith provides the vision and purpose for our planning.
God often gives us direction, but He doesn’t give us an item-
ized, step- by- step checklist. Without faith, planning makes no
sense. But faith combined with planning brings clarity and
direction. Like the lines in a dot- to- dot puzzle.
A woman might feel called to be a missionary. That is a dot
of faith. The country she feels called to minister in is another
dot of faith, but she has the freedom and, in fact, responsibil-
ity to draw the logistical lines of packing and raising support
and eventually moving. She relies on God to reveal the dots
and give her direction, but then God allows her to steward
the plan.
Changing careers may be a step of faith, but organizing a
résumé and scheduling interviews are how our plans can con-
nect the dots of our faith.
Deciding how to educate our children is a dot of faith, but
filling out paperwork or ordering resources are the plans we
need to make to take our steps to the next dot.
Our faith is central, but our prayer- based plans are impor-
tant and needed.
Do you see how planning and faith are tied together?
Planning goes awry when we go it alone and lose sight of
the greater purpose. Planning isn’t bad for my marriage unless
I make plans without my husband. Planning isn’t bad for my