"Changing Plans"

“Changing Plans”

In March of this year Karen and I made arrangements to visit Dave and Kristie and their families in Virginia and South Carolina with a jaunt to Colonial Williamsburg sandwiched between. Then Karen had cataract surgery in early April with the second one scheduled for early May. We then learned she wouldn’t have her new glasses in time for the trip so we changed our plans and now will travel with the same itinerary in early September. We don’t yet know the reason(s) for the delay (maybe we never will) but God does. So we trust Him who says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT). Put another way, God reserves the right to change our plans.

When we made the decision to leave the pastorate and pursue health care chaplaincy in South Carolina we hoped to make the transition in 2008 but put it off for a year due to our mothers’ health issues. Then when “retirement” approached we first anticipated moving to Florida in 2013 but again we experienced a year’s delay. But in both cases subsequent events made God’s purposes clear and, as always, “…We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….” (Romans 8:28).

Joseph may have wondered why he was imprisoned for 13 years but even in this difficult situation “…the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden….” (Genesis 39:21). This prepared him for his high position in Egypt and enabled him to help his family during the time of famine (“…It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”—Genesis 45:5). His life’s plans certainly changed but he always entrusted himself to God’s care.

It’s not wrong to make plans—Jesus emphasized this in two brief parables (Luke 14:28-32)—but His brother cautions us to include God (“…You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”—James 4:15, emphasis added). Remember Solomon’s counsel, “Many are the plans in (one’s) heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21, emphasis added).

So when our plans change let’s roll with it—God’s at work.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan