Perhaps you’ve seen the television show where inventors present ideas to investors. These inventors seem to have the perfect solution to a problem and they’ve put together the perfect product. Sometimes these ideas are really good. Sometimes, not so much.

While I have only seen this show a few times, I am reminded that sometimes what we believe to be a great idea is a flop to others. I am reminded that we probably will not be successful at everything we try to do.

Why is it that sometimes great ideas end in failure? Why on some occasions are multiple attempts made before success? Why is there a saying, “If at first you don’t succeed; try, try again?” Why can’t an idea always work the first time?

Maybe the idea was too lofty…unattainable. Or maybe it really had no merit and wouldn’t work regardless of how many times you try. Perhaps the method isn’t suitable for the plan.

There are obviously many reasons a plan or idea won’t work on the first attempt.

The book of Proverbs has some great wisdom tidbits and Solomon gives us some great advice on planning. Maybe some of these verses might help with a situation you are in right now. Let’s take a look.

Proverbs 14:22  (NIV) “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”

Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 20:18 (NIV) “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.”

Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Proverbs 21:30 (NIV) “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”

Yes, sometimes our plans may fail, but we know for certain that the plans of the Lord will never fail. 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV) gives us the advice David gave to his son Solomon. “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”

Yes, when God is in the middle of our plans, there will be success. It may not be the success we desired or hoped for, but it is the success God was seeking. And nothing can succeed against Him!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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