Be Intentional, Plan Well
Chuck Hill, D.Min.
Leading with Vision
Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vision, strategy, and a commitment to God’s direction. Leadership is not just about responding to what happens—it’s about preparing for what’s ahead, while remaining surrendered to God’s will. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Wise leaders don’t just react to circumstances—they plan with purpose, pray with expectation, and trust that God will guide their steps.
But planning isn’t just about strategy—it’s about surrender. When we commit our plans to the Lord, we invite Him to bring clarity, stability, and success that human effort alone cannot achieve. Leadership requires action, but it must always begin with dependence on God.
Strength Through God-Aligned Planning
Scripture repeatedly affirms that wise planning is essential for effective leadership—but only when that planning is rooted in God’s will. Human wisdom, no matter how strategic, is ultimately limited. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
This verse highlights an essential truth: our best plans will only succeed if they align with God’s greater purpose.
It is easy for leaders to become consumed with ambition, strategy, and goal-setting, believing that success comes through careful execution alone. While diligence and foresight are important, God-centered planning ensures that we are not simply chasing good ideas but following God-ordained direction. The best leaders recognize that apart from God, even the most well-crafted plans will ultimately fall short. True success is not found in executing our own vision but in seeking and surrendering to God’s vision.
Nehemiah: A Model of God-Aligned Leadership
Nehemiah provides a powerful biblical example of intentional, faith-filled leadership. Tasked with the daunting challenge of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, he didn’t rush into action based on his own leadership instincts. Instead, Nehemiah prayed first and sought God’s direction before making a single move.
His leadership in Nehemiah 1-2 reveals several key principles of God-aligned planning:
- Prayer Before Planning – Before taking action, Nehemiah fasted, prayed, and sought the Lord’s guidance (Nehemiah 1:4-11). His leadership was not built on impulsive decisions but on divine direction.
- Strategic Preparation – He carefully assessed the situation, counted the cost, and developed a clear, actionable plan (Nehemiah 2:11-16). His planning was detailed, yet dependent on God.
- Mobilizing Others – He didn’t act alone but wisely rallied people to join him in the work, inspiring them with a God-given vision (Nehemiah 2:17-18).
- Trusting God for Success – He faced opposition and obstacles, but rather than relying on his own strength, he continuously sought God’s help and remained steadfast in faith (Nehemiah 4:9, 6:9).
Nehemiah’s story teaches us that preparation and faith must go hand in hand. He was diligent in planning but ultimately trusted in God to bring success. His leadership was not just about executing a strategy—it was about walking in obedience to God’s leading.
A Contemporary Perspective
Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “A leader who fails to plan is planning to fail. But a leader who plans without God is planning to fail even faster.” True leadership is not just about having a strategy—it’s about ensuring that strategy is aligned with God’s direction.Plans rooted in human wisdom may bring temporary success, but plans surrendered to God’s purpose lead to lasting impact. Wise leaders don’t just map out a path; they seek God’s guidance at every step, trusting that He alone establishes the way forward.
Practical Ways to Be Intentional and Plan Well
- Seek God First – Before making plans, pray for wisdom and direction (Matthew 6:33).
- Set Clear Goals – Define where you’re going, but remain open to God’s leading (Proverbs 21:5).
- Be Diligent, Not Hasty – Thoughtful and prayerful planning leads to success (Proverbs 14:15).
- Trust God with the Outcome – Do your part, but surrender the results to Him (Psalm 37:5).
- Adjust When Needed – Be flexible when God redirects your steps (James 4:15).
Conclusion
Intentional leadership requires both planning and faith. When we commit our plans to the Lord, we position ourselves for success—not because of our strategy, but because of His guidance. Great leaders do not simply move forward on their own ideas; they align themselves with God’s purpose, trusting Him to establish the right path.
So today, plan well. Be intentional. Trust that as you commit your work to Him, He will establish the right path forward.