When God Redirects Your Steps

“We can make our plans,

 but the Lord determines our steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 

We all make plans—sometimes carefully thought out, sometimes dreamt in moments of inspiration. Planning is good, even necessary. But Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while planning is our responsibility, directing the journey is God’s. And often, it’s in the interruptions, delays, and redirections that God reveals His greater purpose.

One powerful example of this truth is Tim Keller, the late pastor, author, and founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. When first invited to plant a church in Manhattan, he declined. It didn’t fit into his personal vision or his perceived calling. But over time, God made it clear that this was the very path He had prepared for Keller and his family.

That unexpected “yes” became the launchpad for a gospel-centered church movement that would touch lives not only in New York but around the world. Tim Keller’s obedience to God’s redirection didn’t just shape one church—it inspired countless pastors, churches, and believers across the globe.

His podcast has been one of our favorites to listen to regularly. It continues to teach, challenge, and comfort us with its deep wisdom and Christ-centered truth. We had the privilege of going to New York City once to hear Tim Keller preach one evening. We’ll never forget it. His humility, clarity, and Christ-centered wisdom left a lasting impression on all of us. That night reminded us how one person’s obedience to God’s redirection can ripple into thousands of lives.

“If you say, ‘I’ll obey if…,’ 

that’s not obedience at all—you’re the one still in charge. 

True faith says, ‘I’ll obey, Lord, even if I don’t understand.’”

Tim Keller

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your purposes are always greater than ours. Help us to trust You when our plans fall through or the path changes. Give us the courage to say yes to You even when we don’t fully understand. Like Tim Keller, may our obedience serve as a witness that touches lives beyond what we can see. Amen.

Committing Our Plans to the Lord

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, 

and your plans will succeed.” 

Proverbs 16:3

Today we visited the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and were especially struck by Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Thinker. Rodin described the figure not as a dreamer, but as a man locked in battle with an idea. The sculpture reveals that deep thought is not passive—it is embodied, urgent, and transformative. In a similar way, committing our lives to God isn’t a quiet, detached act—it calls for our whole selves: heart, mind, and strength. It is a courageous movement toward God’s will, even when the path is unclear.

To commit to the Lord is more than a spiritual gesture—it is a deliberate act of surrender. The Hebrew word used here means to “roll” or “entrust” our works entirely onto God. We release control, trusting that His wisdom surpasses our own. As Psalm 37:5 echoes, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.”

In a world full of anxious striving, this verse offers deep rest. Our part is obedience; God’s part is the outcome. We may plan our path, but “the LORD establishes our steps” (Proverbs 16:9). He does not merely rubber-stamp our ambitions—He lovingly redirects them to align with His eternal purposes.

The apostle Paul lived this truth. Though a master strategist, he continually sought God’s leading. He wrote, “I will come to you if the Lord wills” (1 Corinthians 4:19), showing his dependence on divine direction. Even when his plans were delayed or opposed, Paul trusted God was working through it all (Romans 8:28).

Plan with God. Align your vision with His will. Whether in silence or chaos, God remains sovereign. Trust Him to direct your steps and establish your plans—for He alone knows the way that leads to life.

Prayer

Lord, I commit my plans to You today. Align my heart with Your will. Give me the courage to follow, the wisdom to wait, and the faith to trust. Establish my steps, and lead me in Your way. Amen.