Exposition:
Planning is very essential for everyone, but it is better when it is properly done. According to the Collins Dictionary, planning is the process of deciding in detail how to do something before you actually start to do it whereas the word ‘proper’ describes things that you consider to be real and satisfactory rather than inadequate in some way. Therefore, proper planning can be defined as the process of deciding in detail on how to do something relevant and satisfactory before starting it.
Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, saw the need to send spies to Jericho for them to gather information about their adversary. This information was to help them plan ahead of the war. That is what every fortified army does before going to war (Luke 14:31). The feedback that the spies brought was about good things on the land, the threat their adversary posed and the ability of the Israelites to overcome them. As a young Christian, you must look into the future to see the good things ahead of you. Also, you must know the threats or challenges that you face in trying to attain these good things. You must weigh your strength to know whether you are strong enough to face and overcome the challenges.
Planning can be short-term, medium-term or long-term and gives a strategic way to achieve a goal. Without a plan, you will continue to wish and dream for big things but will not be able to achieve them. Without a plan, it is almost impossible to fulfil your purpose. As an empty polythene bag is tossed by the wind so is a person with unplanned life at the mercy of society. A plan will help you to know what to do each day and time.
It is very necessary to have a proper plan for your Christian, academic, social and all other facets of your life. Your plan should be well written and, if possible, shown to a mentor. It is only through proper planning that your goal, strength, weaknesses and challenges could be well known in order to be victorious in the end.