STRATEGIZING WITH GOD

Five Steps to honoring God while planning during uncertain times
By Andy Lim

We are living in uncertain times. The Psalmist said: “Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.” (Psalms 13:3-4).

In view of this reality, is it possible to plan ahead with the assurance of moving within God’s purposes? We find this encouragement in the book of Psalms: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me” (Psalms 13:5-6).

The following 5 Steps could help us in strategizing with God as we trust in His unfailing love and engage in His grand plan for our lives and companies. We recommend using a notebook and slowly going through each step.

Step One- “We’re Here!” Start by looking back. Pray and ask God for remembrance. Then honestly write down both your negative and positive answers:

• Places- What sites, towns and places are important in your organization’s past?
• People- Which key individuals founded or shaped your
  1. Places: What sites, towns and places are important in your organization’s past?
  2. People: Which key individuals founded or shaped your organization’s growth?
  3. Events: Are there key moments in the past that spurred or affected your organization (ie: a product launch, or a catalytic partnership)?
  4. Goals: What key goals led you to where you are today? Are they the same?
  5. Strategies: How did you first choose to run your organization? Did that change?
  6. Learnings: If you could advise a start-up, what key lessons would you convey?

  Step Two: “North Star”

  Next, look forward. Importantly, take time to pray for God to speak into all parts of this step. Collect your thoughts, then evaluate and prioritize them. Next, pray and decide on 2 or 3 of them for the next season. Write your next steps up in a clear and inspirational manner.

  • Vision: What is the better tomorrow you see for your life or company? Paint a vivid, descriptive picture.
  • Ideal: What marks of perfection do you strive for?
  • God’s Will: Through Scripture and Prayer, what is God’s will concerning the next phase of your life?
  • Outcomes: What will be different when you reach the end?
  • End Goal: What will you have achieved?

  Do not rush through- take your time to engage with your Heavenly Father about these matters.

  Step Three: “Gaps”

  We now look for what is missing. Identify what is needed to get us from “here” to our “North Star.” Can you identify anything lacking or missing? Who, what, where and when?

  Pray for discernment. Then, brainstorm, collect your thoughts and organize them well. Agree which need to be addressed first and start on those.

  Step Four: “Implications”

  Ask questions to analyze the implications and reasons for the gaps. Ask why are the gaps there? What are the root causes? What will it take to bridge the gaps?

  Pray for eyes to see what is needed. Identify what you need to stop doing and what you need to start doing with the gaps. This requires a trust in God’s direction. 2^nd Corinthians 5:7 says “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

  
  Step Five: “Five Bold Steps”

  Time for Action. Write down five bold steps you will take towards your North Star that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART).

  Place them somewhere you will see often (wall calendar or frequently used journal) and pray for them regularly.