I thought I had my 2025 mapped out. I had goals written down, a detailed plan for my ministry, and even vacation dates circled on the calendar. Very early in 2025, though, almost nothing had gone according to plan. A family crisis derailed my summer schedule and required me to completely shift my focus, and what I thought would be a quiet summer turned into the busiest season I’d ever experienced. In the fall, an unexpected opportunity presented itself and I was not prepared for how that would affect my life. I remember sitting in my office one evening, looking at my abandoned plans, feeling frustrated and wondering if I had somehow missed God’s will for my life. Had I made wrong decisions? Was I supposed to fight harder to stick to my original plan? That’s when a wise mentor reminded me of a profound truth: “Dana, your plans are good, but God’s purpose is better. And His purpose always prevails.” As we step into this new year, many of us are carrying hopes, dreams, and carefully laid plans. Today I want to encourage you with the truth that while our plans may change, God’s purpose for your life will always prevail.
Let’s look at two scriptures that reveal this beautiful truth. First, Proverbs 19:21: “Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the advice of the Lord will stand.” And then Colossians 1:16: “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him.” These verses work together to show us both the reality of our human planning and the supremacy of God’s eternal purpose. Proverbs acknowledges that we make many plans (and that’s not wrong) but reminds us that God’s purpose is what ultimately stands. Colossians reveals the scope of that purpose: everything exists through Him and for Him.
The Hebrew word for “purpose” in Proverbs 19:21 is “etsah,” which means counsel, advice, or deliberate intention. It’s not a casual thought or a backup plan – it’s God’s deliberate, well-considered intention for your life. When the verse says His purpose “will stand,” it uses the Hebrew word “quwm,” meaning to be established, to endure, to be fulfilled. This means that while our plans may be disrupted by circumstances, illness, job changes, or unexpected opportunities, God’s purpose for us remains unshakeable. His purpose isn’t dependent on our perfect execution of our plans. It’s woven into the very fabric of reality itself. Colossians takes this even further by showing us that God’s purpose isn’t just personal – it’s cosmic. Everything that exists was created “through Him and for Him.” Your life, your circumstances, even the disruptions to your plans, all serve His greater purpose. When our carefully laid plans fall apart, we’re not experiencing chaos – we’re experiencing the sovereignty of a God whose purpose encompasses all things. This doesn’t mean our planning is meaningless, but it does mean our planning should be held with open hands, submitted to the One whose purpose will ultimately prevail.
So how do we live with this truth as we enter a new year? First, make your plans, but hold them loosely. It’s wise to set goals and make preparations, but remember that your plans are proposals, not promises. When circumstances change your course, look for God’s purpose in the new direction rather than fighting to return to your original plan. Second, when your plans are disrupted, ask “What is God’s purpose in this?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?” That unexpected opportunity I mentioned earlier led me to discover that I was missing out on a vital spiritual practice that was actually putting a wedge between myself and God. Although I still have not settled on what God has for me in that opportunity, I know that what seemed like a disruption was actually God’s purpose unfolding in ways I never could have planned. Third, remember that God’s purpose often works through our changed plans, not despite them. The job you didn’t get might have protected you from a situation that would have hindered your growth. The relationship that ended might have freed you to discover gifts you never knew you had. The move you didn’t want to make might have positioned you exactly where God needed you to be. Finally, trust that God’s purpose for your life is better than your best-laid plans. His perspective is eternal, His wisdom is perfect, and His love for you is complete. When His purpose prevails over your plans, it’s not a defeat – it’s a victory you haven’t recognized yet.
As we move forward into 2026, I want you to consider this question: “How can I align my plans with God’s purpose rather than asking God to bless my agenda?” Write down your hopes for this year, then pray over each one, asking God to show you how they fit into His greater purpose. Remember, His purpose will prevail – and that’s the best news you could receive as you step into this new year.