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Jesus didn't give his disciples a plan, but gave them this instead...
Why planning doesn't help alleviate your anxiety, and how you can use this key method to fix it today!
Jerome Chandler
January 30, 2025
There is so much going in the world, and much of it we were not prepared. We had it all lined up: go to school, get a career, get married, have kids, retire, die. But many of us, especially Christians, do not expect the bad doctor report, the job layoff, the divorce; so on and so forth.
Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world and preach, yet he didn’t provide them with a specific plan., He merely prepared them for the task. There was no specific church growth or ministry marketing strategy that He gave them, as far as we know, as much as we try to derive clues from the biblical text.
Think You Know How to Plan for Success? Think Again.
Many Christian professionals spend years crafting the perfect life plan—education, career, financial stability—only to be blindsided by unexpected challenges. A layoff, an economic downturn, a personal crisis. When the chaos of life disrupts our carefully constructed plans, stress and anxiety follow. But what if the problem isn’t the chaos? What if the issue is how we prepare for it?
The Difference Between Planning and Preparation
The image above illustrates a critical truth: Planning is based on the expectation of order. Preparation is based on the expectation of chaos.
A rigid plan assumes everything will go smoothly. But preparation? Preparation understands that life is unpredictable and builds resilience to withstand the storms. This distinction is crucial for Christian professionals navigating high-stakes careers while staying faithful to their calling.
Biblical Wisdom: Be Prepared, Not Just Planned
Scripture warns against the illusion of control. James 4:13-15 reminds us:
"Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’"
Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 7:24-27, describing the wise builder who prepares by building on the rock (God’s Word) rather than sand (human plans). The storms come either way—the difference is whether the structure stands or falls.
The Science of Resilience in High-Stress Professions
Studies in psychology and neuroscience highlight the benefits of adaptive resilience—the ability to adjust when things don’t go as expected. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that those who focus on flexibility, mental endurance, and faith-based coping strategies manage stress far better than those who rely solely on rigid plans.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people with a growth mindset—who expect challenges and adapt—experience less anxiety than those with a fixed mindset—who panic when things don’t go according to plan.
Lessons from the Saints: Expecting Chaos, Trusting God
Saint John Chrysostom once said:
"A man does not show his greatness by being at ease but by facing adversity with fortitude."
The early Christians did not plan for a comfortable life—they prepared for trials, persecution, and uncertainty, yet they thrived. Their preparation wasn’t just practical; it was deeply spiritual. They cultivated faith, strengthened community, and lived with an eternal perspective.
How Christian Professionals Can Prepare for the Unexpected
Build Spiritual Resilience – Deepen your prayer life and trust in God’s providence rather than in perfect circumstances.
Develop Adaptability – Be willing to pivot in your career when challenges arise. Industries change, but skills, relationships, and faith endure.
Strengthen Your Support Network – A strong Christian community provides wisdom and encouragement when life doesn’t go as planned.
Take Strategic Risks – Don’t wait for perfect conditions to make moves. Prepare for uncertainty and take faith-filled steps forward.
Trust in God’s Ultimate Plan – Proverbs 16:9 states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” You may plan, but it is God who directs your journey.
Conclusion: Prepare for Chaos, Thrive in Any Condition
If your life isn’t going according to plan, take heart—it was never supposed to. Instead of striving for control, embrace preparation. Strengthen your faith, build resilience, and expect challenges. Because those who prepare for chaos don’t just survive—they thrive.
So here’s the thing…
For most of us, the root of our anxiety, is actually a money problem. Here are a few resources by world renowned entrepreneurship guru Myron Golden, using biblical principles, to help you go to the next level of your business and career:
Mind Over Money Mastery: Master Your Mind & Master Your Money
Lack Can Only Exist In Your Experience When It Exists In Your Expectation.
Make More Offers Challenge: Discover The Solution To The Single Biggest Mistake That Failing Businesses Make…(HINT: It's Not That They Don't Have Enough Money…).
B.O.S.S Moves Book: This is a book about that are hidden in plain sight. Secrets that most people are too programmed by “the system” to see. Secrets about human nature, self-improvement, sales, marketing, and how to price your products and services.
From the Trash Man to the Cash Man: This is a book about Principles. Principles that have the potential to make you richer than you ever thought possible. Learn The Secrets That Took Myron Golden From Making $6.25 Per Hour To Owning A Multi-Million Dollar Business.
Myron Golden OPS: Learn The #1 Secret To Creating Wealth In Today's Economy
Even If You Don't Have A Product, A Business, Or Never Sold Anything Before.
Offer Mastery Live: Discover how you can increase your business revenue by over 1280% in just 4 moves.
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