Finishing Well

All of this year Ray and I have been working to save enough money to realize a dream we have had for 30 years and that is to go to Ireland. Last week we bought the tickets, but that is less than half of the total cost and we have just eight weeks before we leave.
I have a Mary Kay business that provides a supplementary income. I have seen it take off this year and the more it did, the harder I worked, the more stressed I became until I finally recognized that I was relying on my own strength and my own wit.
Then this morning I read another definition of planning for success:
Planning for Success
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
04-10-2009

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." - Jeremiah 10:23

In business I hear a lot about planning. Every January I hear workplace believers establishing their planning for the year. Corporations establish plans that cover anywhere from one to five years. Individuals establish personal life plans. There is only one problem that I see with most planning done by well-meaning believers. If God is not the originator and director of the plan, then that plan is doomed for failure. So often, Christian workplace believers set out to plan something that seems good in their own mind. The merits of what is being planned can look great, and it can even be a worthy endeavor. However, that is not the point. When Jesus said He came only to do the will of the Father, He could not consider doing anything that was not what the Father wanted, no matter how good or righteous it might appear to be.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" (Prov. 16:9). God must give us the vision for what He calls us to do. After we have the vision, we must ask Him if He wants us to take action on that vision and what the action steps entail. The Lord wants to direct each step of the planning process. David learned this lesson when he went to battle against his enemy, the Philistines. One day he inquired of God as to whether he was to go up against the Philistines, and the Lord said, "Yes, but only when you hear the marching in the balsam trees." It is a mistake to reason and analyze in order to come to a decision on a matter. The Lord already knows the answer. It is our responsibility to seek Him to find out His mind on the matter. Our planning must be established in Him. Only when we remain so connected to the source can we be assured of putting God's plan into place. Also, getting that plan confirmed through others will assure that we are not following the deceit of our own heart.

When you begin to plan next time, ask God for His wisdom for establishing the vision and action steps. You will be surprised how well He can plan."

Tonight I watched Flywheel. Between the two events I have re-dedicated my business to the Lord. It is time to amp my my faith in God. Without Him I can do nothing.
Hope you will watch this trailer of the movie and then go get it.