When the Plan Changes
I thought we were going to work in Beauregard on Thursday. Devastating tornadoes wiped out a community there in Alabama four days earlier. Our group was prepared to volunteer all weekend, cutting trees, clearing yards, and praying with the hurting.
But we ended up in Columbus, Georgia, instead.
What do we do when God changes the plan?
Is This the Plan?
Even though Paul had been forewarned he would stand before Caesar (Acts 27:24), he also knew he was to open the eyes of unbelievers to see the light of Jesus (Acts 26:16-18).
So when he found himself shackled in Rome, he might have wondered: Is this really the plan?
We often ask ourselves that. And we ask God as well.
- Is this what You meant to happen?
- How can I offer Your hope to others when I am ______ (out of a job/getting a divorce/chronically depressed/etc.)?
- Has something gone wrong?
But like Paul, we, too, can rest in God’s good plans. Even when His plans are the opposite of our plans.
Memorize This Week
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Philippians 1:12-13
[click to download the verse image]
Can’t Stop This
Paul saw the beauty in God’s plan of opposites. Instead of the gospel news being shut down because Paul was imprisoned, it was growing instead.
That’s the way God works. He opens up better paths ahead of us. He advances the way (see Philippians 1:12, “advance” as in cutting the way for an army to advance). God prepared the way for Paul even in prison.
As His children, He also prepares paths for us. Regardless of how circumstances, relationships, or our own bodies may imprison us, God can use each of us in this very situation in this very time to spread words of hope, forgiveness, and grace.
Paul was urging the Philippians to believe this (“I want you to know“). We can urge each other to believe it, too.
Our time volunteering in Columbus, Georgia, proved to be a huge blessing after all, not only to the families there who had tremendous tornado damage, but also to our own group doing the work.
- Not only did we pray for the survivors, they also prayed for us.
- Not only did we meet their needs, they also met ours.
- Not only were we a light to them, they were a light to us.
No one can accurately predict or stop what God has planned. And what God has planned is always for His glory and for our good.
Even when it seems the opposite.
When have you seen God’s plan turn out better than your own plan? Please share in the comments.
This can’t be what was meant to be,
I had such a great big plan!
But I hear God speak to me,
“Can it, and be a man!
I made you in My image, dude,
not so that you could gaze
into a mirror for long interlude,
but so that you could use your days
in service to the least of these
who could not see My face,
and whose fears you could ease
with My-your arms’ embrace.
So accept your lot with grace and class,
and for Pete’s sake, get off your a**!”
I appreciate your insights here, Andrew! I need this for myself. I was asked to do something this morning out of my comfort zone and I argued with God about “my” plans I had intricately made for the day. He finally convinced me to let Him have it HIS way instead of my own. :)
I often have to remind myself when things have not gone according to my plan or when prayer has not been answered as I had asked that God knows and is big, wise, and loving enough to handle to circumstances and the outcome. Maybe one of these days that will be my automatic reaction: for now I just have to keep reminding myself of truth.
I have to keep reminding myself of these truths, too, Barbara. As many times as I’ve seen God’s ways prove better than my ways, you’d think I’d automatically trust Him more than myself. He’s still working on me with that. ;)
This reminds me of Gretchen’s recent post. She was talking about the same thing–things that God allows or does that we don’t understand or see as right/good. How much more powerful and all-knowing He is! I’m so glad it served to encourage not only those in Georgia, but you and your team as well, Lisa! I was wondering about you when those storms came through. I suppose where you live was not in the direct path, right? Such a scary thing, but another opportunity for God’s love and compassion to be shown!
Thanks, Beth. No, we weren’t in the path this time. I hadn’t even been aware that Georgia had suffered such damage until we got there. But I’m thankful that God made us aware. We met some wonderful people there as we partnered with Samaritan’s Purse. God is definitely more powerful, wise, and loving than I can ever dream of being!
Good morning, Lisa! I’ve thought of you during these outrageous storms and hoped you were safe and well. Seeing God’s plan through it, in it all, is a gift. I’ve found that usually it’s not til afterwards that I can fully appreciate how very much present He was during the crisis.
He never left …
Great point, Linda. It’s often in hindsight that we realize God was with us all along. I’m still trying to grow my foresight. So grateful that He is patient as we learn to trust Him more and more.
I’m always challenged by Paul’s example of seeing good in such a difficult situation that can’t have been his plan. It is encouraging to know that God’s plans are always best.
I’m challenged by Paul’s attitude too, Lesley. It seems impossible to me to do all things without grumbling. ;-) But it’s a goal! Paul’s joy sets the bar high.
You’re so right, Lisa. Our senses can only take us so far… then it’s up to the Creator who is sovereign over His creation.
It’s usually the opposite of what we thought or wanted, but always works for the Best…
Yes, our own knowledge is always incomplete. Relying on our Creator is the wisest choice we can make. Thanks, Floyd.