“If it pleases the king …, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” … “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?”
- from Nehemiah 2:5-8

Nehemiah had a plan. He had a plan before he ever made his request to the king. He knew what he wanted to do, what he needed to do it, and whose help he would need. He didn’t stumble or fumble his way through his request. And he got everything he asked.

As people of faith, we don’t have to be afraid of planning. All too often the work of planning gets pitted against the posture of faith. We hear: “We trust God so let’s just jump in and see what happens.” And, perhaps, there are times when that’s the right thing to do. But the same God who speeds and catches us when we take our leaps of faith can inspire and guide us when we plan.

Details matter because the work of God’s kingdom happens in the real world. The laws of physics, realities of the economy, histories of relationships, and limitations on human bodies all bear down on our work. Planning helps us navigate these complex forces.

Our plans are never perfect. We often have to adjust, improvise and revise. But there’s a special delight that comes when we make great plans together with God. There’s an old saying that goes: “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.” We love that. We love that, in part, because the laughter of God in the face of our plans in the laughter of a Father who loves us, delights in us, and works with us to lead, protect and bless us even in the midst of our crazy and ever-changing plans.

Take some time today to make God laugh. Invite him to help you as you plan for your future.