“Change of plans.” I suspect all of us have at one time or another used or heard those words. Those words have a different effect on different people.
For example, if you are one who likes “to go with the flow” or “fly by the seat of your pants” then those words are like music to your ears. Plans? What plans? 🙂
For others, those words bring terror to your heart. They are like a death knell; they are like the end of the world. You hate change to begin with and to ask you to change your plans sets your heart racing and pulse pounding. I mean, like “Seriously, you are changing plans?”
I had those words become real yesterday (Sunday). After our church celebrated 3 baptisms and the three of us (wife, daughter, and myself) grabbed a bite to eat at the local Mexican restaurant, I took off for a hospital visit over an hour away. I made it to the small town north of us (about 20-25 minutes), when I stopped for something to drink. I had been watching the clouds to the north as I drove and saw how ominous they looked. By the time I came out of the store, the sky had opened up. Can you say deluge? I contacted the wife of the man I was going to visit and power had finally been restored to their house so she was going to be able to bring him home today (Monday). After talking we decided it would be best for me to just come to the house to visit this week, so I decided to change my plans and head back home. The deluge continued and I even considered pulling off until it subsided some. But I wanted to get home so I kicked the speed down, put my wipers on high and after about 10-15 minutes caught a break. I hit dry-as-a-bone roads. I made it back to my office until the storm hit our town, took the power out at the office and I drove home (2 miles) in a deluge.
I’m glad I changed my plans. The weather was even worse the farther north I would have gone.
The famous lines of Robert Burns written in 1785 say, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” I used to say, before I knew the quote, that “the best laid plans of mice and men often go down the tubes.” 200+ years later, we still have trouble accepting that fact. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6). James tells us life is a vapor and that we have no clue about tomorrow (James 4).
For the Christ-follower, it is best to say, “Lord willing, I will do __________.” Who knows the mind of the Lord? Most certainly not me. So…Lord willing…I will celebrate today. I will celebrate July 4th. And I will post here again. 🙂
Dick likes things to go according to plan. We say “He likes to have his ducks in a row. ” lol. But sometimes God rearranges the ducks and, while it can be hard to adjust, it’s always for the best.
I know there are people like that. I confess that at times I also like that but I tend to go with the flow most often. Plan then allow God to change the plan is my motto. 🙂
What I wouldn’t do for a little rain.
Ok, ok, for a serious downpour! (Spiritually and physically, lol)
I imagine that interruption was only meant to save your life.
It’s funny Ed. While some crave rain, some get too much. Just a few weeks ago we were 6″ behind what we needed. After a deluge-soaked week and weekend, I don’t know where we are now. But I can take a spiritual downpour from time to time as well.
Confession: I like things to go as planned, Bill. But I do realize I’m not in control. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve continued to make plans, but I add “If it’s your will, Lord.” It certainly makes a “let down” easier to cope with.
Blessings!
I chuckled Martha when i read “let down” in your comment. We do feel let down but knowing God is in charge makes it a bit easier to stomach.
I have to admit Bill, I have been like Jonah, losing power overnight for the second time in four days, I would have been a good pouting partner with Jonah under his plant. My phone could only receive messages, not send out texts or calls. The Lord reminded me of Philippians 4:11-13. I tried to read my Bible and my book by Giglio but my pouting got in the way of getting much out of either. I’m sure God has some more lessons for me since I did not handle myself well, good thing I live alone, but the most important person, my Father in heaven saw my heart.
I suspect there were others in the same boat as you Gail. Living alone and pouting. I know those who lived with others and pouted. 🙂 But least you know the Father saw your heart. Losing power is no fun for sure. Hope things are better for you now.
I am a planner, rarely do I have a single evening throughout the week that is unscheduled. I find a scheduled life tends to be more productive for me. If I do not have something on the calendar, I tend to find myself wasting time sitting in my recliner mindlessly binge watching the next set of episodes of whatever series I may be watching. That said… I have found some need to allow those plans to change. It is good to have a schedule, it is not good to be so tied to the schedule that it dictates your life. A schedule is meant to provide organization, but things come up that are more important at the moment and require attention. This has been the case over the coarse of this past weekend. A need to change coarse and adjust priorities has occurred and as a result, the schedule goes by the way-side… And this is ok…. No really, I am telling myself… this is ok.
Since I know you I can concur you are a schedule person but like you said, sometimes schedules need adjusted. I’m sure you were able to adjust this weekend because Amanda needed you to do so. It is ok from time to time to change things around.
I tell you, I was downright dumbfounded to read your words tonight about how we should say “Lord willing.” God took my son & me through a very hard trial the other day with a huge upset to some carefully laid plans, and after it was all over, I prayed fervently, asking the Lord the purpose behind it all. Do you know that this very thing was the main thing He brought to my mind? How He has dealt with me many times about always saying, “Lord willing” and how I have been overriding those “checks” from Him lately and avoiding saying it. I felt so convicted and it has been heavy on my mind. Then I came here tonight (very late in reading this, as usual) and here it is in your blog post! Confirming all God has been dealing with me about. Thank you, Pastor Bill, for always remaining faithful to share what He puts on your heart. You are such a blessing.
I’m humbled by your words Cheryl. Not because they apply directly to me but that God would use you to confirm that I spoke truth. it has almost become a “habit” to say those words before I leave someone and say, “Lord willing, I will see you tomorrow.” It is also amazing to me how God simply speaks directly into our lives when we least expect it. I’m glad you were listening.