Written By: Pastor Chris
Surrendering Our Plans
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Our natural desire is to plan, even if you’re like me and not a planner. We draft goals, dream dreams, and chart courses toward success. While planning is wise and necessary, there’s a deeper truth we must acknowledge: our plans are limited, but God’s wisdom isn’t. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to surrender our plans to the Lord, trusting Him to guide us in the way we should go.
Surrendering our plans begins with trust. The verse says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." This trust isn’t partial or conditional; it’s wholehearted reliance on God’s character and promises. To trust God fully, we must acknowledge that He sees what we cannot. He knows every outcome and has a plan that is good, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations or hopes.
The next step is humility. We’re told to "lean not on [our] own understanding." How often do we rely on our logic, experience, or feelings to make decisions? While God has given us wisdom, our understanding is limited and often clouded by fear or pride. True surrender means laying down our desire for control and seeking God’s perspective through prayer and His Word.
“In all your ways submit to him,” the verse continues. This submission isn’t just for the big life decisions—it’s a daily posture of surrendering our choices, relationships, and dreams to God. When we hold our plans loosely and invite Him into every detail, we create space for His will to unfold.
Finally, the promise: “He will make your paths straight.” This doesn’t mean life will be free from challenges, but it assures us of God’s direction. He will lead us in paths that align with His perfect will, giving us peace and purpose along the journey.
Jesus modeled this kind of surrender when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His example teaches us that surrender is not a sign of weakness but of strength rooted in faith.
As we commit our ways to the Lord, we may not always see the full picture, but we can trust the One who does. His plans are higher, His timing is perfect, and His guidance never fails. May we surrender with confidence, knowing that God’s path always leads to life.