Three Important Requirements for Planning

Occasionally, you’ll meet some business leaders who assume their operations must be spontaneous or Spirit-led. Since so much is unpredictable, take the “curve balls” thrown your way and respond in the moment to the best of your ability.

Planning for an uncertain future is difficult, so why go to all that work when it may not pay off? However, we’ve heard it said, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” There is so much truth in that. After all, “only dead fish go with the flow.” So, it’s essential to take time to plan before you fly into action.

Planning allows us to prepare for the things that we can control. As Christians, we know that, in the end, God is ultimately in control. He has the final say in any situation. So seek His wisdom and direction through prayer. Remember that He expects us to do our best, and He’ll do the rest.

Woven throughout Scripture is wonderful planning principles that remind us that God is Himself a master planner. Here are a few reminders pointing to the three basic requirements needed for planning: Purpose, Priorities and Partners.



1. Planning Requires Purpose

Every business has a purpose for its existence. Planning helps us be specific about how to clarify and accomplish that purpose. Planning allows us to seek God’s direction in prayer as we create those plans.

We must never forget that God has purposes and plans for each of us:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according
to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity
with the purpose of his will.

Ephesians 1:11

Planning and setting goals help us see the vision and prepare us to fulfill it.

What is your vision and clear statement of purpose
as a company on which you can base your planning?

2. Planning Requires Priorities

The planning process naturally leads to establishing priorities and the order in which they must be done most efficiently and effectively. Often this involves staff with responsibilities that may need to be sequential in getting things done.
Interestingly, God modelled a clear set of priorities when creating our world and humankind.


Paul recognized the importance of priorities and the critical role that each person plays in fulfilling those priorities.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder,
and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.
I Corinthians 3:10

Do you have clearly defined priorities that will
help prepare your company for future growth?

3. Planning Requires Partners

Planning requires partners/people to be involved with you in this future-directed process. The greater the involvement of those with a stake in your company, the greater their sense of ownership in planning for the future.

More than a dozen passages in Proverbs refer to the importance of having advisors, counsellors and hands-on staff engaged in planning.

Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22

The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.
Proverbs 12:15

Do you have capable partners/people readily
available and engaged in your company planning process?

Long-range planning for the future is a stretch since so much is unknown. However, you can define an ideal outcome for the future and plan toward that to the best of your ability. Remember to seek God’s wisdom and direction, which He promised us.

As time passes and immediate realities emerge, your planning process can be revisited and revised to keep you on course toward your desired outcome. Remember to keep your Purpose, Priorities and Partners as your primary planning resources.