Expect God to Re-Arrange Your Plans

When I was very young, I wanted to be a fireman. No, no… I was serious. I had a fireman’s hat, which made a siren noise, and I would run around the neighborhood in a constant state of emergency. When I grew up a little, I changed my plans from fighting fires to being a doctor. When I found out how many years I’d have to be in school to be a doctor, I decided to focus on computer engineering. This is where I stayed for several years while I was finishing high school. I had big plans. I had my entire life plotted out in black and white. Can you guess what happens next?

Our bags were packed. The bus was running a bit late, but we knew it would arrive any minute. Our itinerary stated that we would depart Freeport, Grand Bahama at 12:15 pm on Flight 34, AirTran Airlines. The bus did eventually arrive, and then took us to the airport terminal with time to spare. We departed on time. We arrived in Atlanta on time. We loaded our homebound bus on time. The planning that went into this mission trip was impeccable. Have you heard what happens next?

It seemed like a good plan. Technology had progressed to a point where they could build bigger and better buildings. Why not build the biggest and best building of them all? It would certainly get the word out about their people. Maybe it would even bring people together. It would be a testament to their greatness. So, they started. Communication was perfect. Everyone was on the same page. Everyone was speaking the same language. Do you remember what happens next?

I know you can cite instances in your own life where your own plans were shifted and re-arranged beyond your control or desire. It is an unsettling experience, to be sure. We all like to think that we are in control. After all, we live in a culture that says, “Have it your way,” and, “Just do it.”

I never made it to college as a computer science major. I experienced a profound change in my life, which left me without options… I was going to be a minister. Our trip from the Bahamas wasn’t meant to end with the bus pulling into the parking lot on time. We had more to learn, and Christians in Oxford, AL were to be the teachers. Our ancestors never finished their tower. Their plans were ripped to shreds, as was their language.

The lesson is simple to state, but a challenge to accept. Make your plans. Set your goals. And then, when God steps in and re-organizes, embrace His changes and carry them out with faithfulness. Trust in God. He truly knows and does what is best for us and His Kingdom. Be ready to step out of the way when God steps in. With the proper attitude, you’ll be amazed at how “all things work together for good to those who love God, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)