Third and long. It would take a miracle to get the first down.

I called timeout and entered the huddle. With my clipboard, I revealed a simple plan for the running back to go left and hit an open hole. I pumped the players up and left the huddle. The ball was snapped, and the running back went right, not left, and then turned left, right, backwards, in a circle, left again, then right and finally down the sideline for a touchdown. That was not how I’d planned it! But then again this was second grade flag football.

Ever have one of those days when things don’t go the way you planned? As a coach, I make a lot of plans that I’m really confident about, and sometimes they fail. It’s incredibly frustrating.

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that we can develop and dream up many great plans, but it’s the purpose of God that prevails. The word “purpose” here comes from the Hebrew word meaning “counsel.” God is the Almighty Counselor, full of wisdom and truth. He is the One with whom we should consult.

God has a plan for each of us to live joyful and productive lives for Him. We have to be willing to not only seek His plan, but to follow it no matter where it leads. Start each day by spending time with the Almighty Counselor. Seek His wisdom in making plans. Trust His answer and follow through in obedience.