When I was in high school, I thought I’d grow up to be a lawyer. Then, when I got to university, I had my heart set on becoming a teacher. Somewhere between dreaming of courtrooms and classrooms, I found myself in a drama class and wondered if I was meant to be an actress.

And then—God.

Looking back, I smile. Because while I had plenty of plans, God had a purpose.

Take a moment and think about what’s ahead—your plans for the day, the week, the year, and even the dreams tucked deep in your heart for the future.

Maybe you dream of starting a business.
Maybe you're hoping to raise a family.
Maybe there’s a book in you just waiting to be written.
Maybe you want to see the world.
Maybe you feel called to launch a ministry or serve in your city.
Maybe you’re excited to plant a garden or finally pay off that lingering debt.

Whatever’s on your heart, Scripture reminds us:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Planning isn’t a bad thing—in fact, God encourages it! Galatians 6:7 tells us we reap what we sow, so thoughtful preparation matters. But as we plan, we’re also invited to hold those dreams with open hands, trusting that God sees what we can’t and knows what’s best.

Sometimes the path shifts. Sometimes God reroutes us in ways we never expected. And while that can be confusing or even disappointing in the moment, God always has our good and His glory in mind.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” That means even the dreams we carry may have been planted by God—but God also knows when and how they should grow.

Jesus gave us the ultimate example of surrender. He laid down His will for the Father’s plan—for our freedom, our hope, and our future. Because of His surrender, we have life.

So today, I invite you to join me in doing something simple but powerful:

Take a few quiet moments. Make a list of your dreams, your goals, and your plans. Then, with open hands—literally or in prayer—offer them to God. Picture yourself releasing every single one. Then ask,
“Lord, which of these are from You? What do You want to give back to me, and is there something new You want me to receive?”

It’s funny now, thinking back on how I wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and even an actress. In God’s grace, He wove pieces of each of those dreams into my calling. God gave me a voice to defend my convictions, a heart to teach His Word, and yes—every now and then—a chance to stand in front of an audience.

As I look ahead to this next season of my life, I’m prayerfully planning to pursue the things God has placed on my heart: investing in relationships that matter, stepping more boldly into ministry, writing more intentionally, and creating spaces where others can encounter God’s truth and grace. But I hold it all loosely—because I’ve learned that God’s plan is always better than mine.

God is not just the Author of your story—God is the One who walks with you through every chapter. You can trust God with your plans, your dreams, and your future.

So make your plans. Dream your dreams. But always invite God into the process because God’s purpose is the best outcome we could ever hope for!