Planning and Determining

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16.9

We know that all things happen according to the determination of God’s sovereign will.  We know that every aspect of our lives, including the length of them, is already set by the predeterminate counsel of God.  Does this mean, then, that we are not to plan, that we are not to exercise good judgment in matters of finances, health, etc.?  Of course not!  This Scripture does not say, “There is no use planning, for the Lord determines a man’s steps.”  Planning is our province: determining is God’s.  James teaches us to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will do such and such.” But he does not teach us to say, “I shall make no plans whatsoever, for whatever will be will be.”  Plan, purpose, hope, seek out, but put all those plans, purposes, and hopes in subjection to the sovereign determination of the Lord.