To be sure, we can find ourselves in conflict with other leaders, staff, and the congregation at large in our planning efforts. But, the power struggles we want to consider here is that which we find ourselves engaging in with God.
How We Engage in Power Struggles with God in Our Planning Efforts
We can really run into trouble in our strategic planning when we persist with our plans when God’s power is obviously coming against them to thwart them. That happens when we’re on the wrong path completely, trying to do something that contradicts God character and ways as found in His Word. — “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” (Prov. 14:22)
But, it can also happen when we’re on a good path but God has something better. Or, perhaps what we want to do is right but we’re not the one God wants to use to do it.
What to Do If We Find Ourselves Struggling with God in Strategic Planning
If we find it difficult to let go of our plans when God is saying it’s not right, not now, or it’s for someone else to do, we need to step back long enough to ask God to search our heart and reveal what’s really going on (Ps. 139:23-24).
Remember,
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end – even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Prov. 16:1-4)
After we identify God’s power standing against our plans, then we need to identify where His presence and power are and seek His help to align with that. — “Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them …” (Ps. 146:3-6ff)
The Steering the Church Toward God’s Power Leadership Guide further explains how we engage in power struggles with God and encourages us to yield to Him instead of struggling. The resource also looks at 24 other leaders tasks and responsibilities in addition to strategic planning.
All Posts about Strategic Planning:
- Strategic Planning Biblically Defined
- At the Core of Strategic Planning
- Trust God Yet Consult with Others?
- Outcome of Strategic Planning
- A Christ-like Pattern for Strategic Planning
- A Christ-like Perspective in Strategic Planning
- Power Struggles in Planning
- God’s Big Strategic Plan
- More Lessons about Strategic Planning from the Gospel
- Where Prayer Takes Our Strategic Planning
- Where the Holy Spirit Takes Our Strategic Planning
- Help in Forming a Strategic Planning Team
- Test Plans Against God’s Word
- How the Resurrection Affects Strategic Planning
- Strategic Planning That’s Not Rooted in Pride
- Leader Qualities that Positively Affect Strategic Planning
- Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning