I have taken care of hundreds of leukemia patients in my career, but it’s another thing to see a loved one suffering through the rigors of leukemia treatment. I have known my brother-in-law Abraham since he was nine years old when he followed my then-girlfriend Faye and me around. Ever since, he has been an important part of our lives. About two months ago, Abraham was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia known as myeloid sarcoma. In the blink of an eye, everything came to a screeching halt. His plans with his wife and children, his career plans of working as a physician, and his dreams of traveling in his retirement were suddenly replaced with the journey of fighting this dreadful disease with chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant. I feel helpless when I see him battling infections and physical discomfort in his hospital bed. All I can do is pray.

Proverbs 16:9 presents a powerful truth about the balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. It acknowledges that while we make plans for our lives, it is ultimately God who determines our path. This verse teaches us humility, trust, and the importance of surrendering to God’s will. The reality of human experience is that we set goals, make choices, and dream about our future. God has given us the ability to think, strategize, and make decisions. It is not wrong to plan—scripture encourages wisdom and diligence in how we approach life (Proverbs 21:5); however, this verse reminds us that our plans, no matter how well thought out, are not final.

“But the Lord directs his steps" reveals the ultimate authority of God. While we may chart our course, it is God who determines the outcome. His plans always take precedence, and He knows what is best for us. There are times when our paths seem clear, but God may redirect us toward something better even when it is harder. Sometimes, He allows us to follow a certain direction that we desired, only for us to later realize that His plan was greater all along.

This verse calls us to trust God in all things. Life often brings unexpected detours—career shifts, relationship changes, unforeseen struggles, and illnesses—but every step is under God’s guidance. When we submit our plans to Him, we find peace in knowing that even when things don’t go as expected, God is leading us toward His purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).

As Christians, we need to live out Proverbs 16:9 by seeking God first in our planning (Matthew 6:33). It means praying over decisions, being open to His guidance, and being willing to adjust when He redirects us. Faith is not just about making plans—it’s about surrendering them to God.