When Plans Don't Go My Way

Have you ever made plans to do something only to have them go horribly wrong?

Maybe you planned go out of town, or simply enjoy a fun family day– only to have a monkey-wrench thrown in that messed up everything.

This was me just yesterday.

When I got married we moved two hours away from my hometown. The distance certainly makes visiting my family and friends as often as I like a little difficult, but as of yesterday morning I had plans to drive down to spend a few days visiting with them.

I was really looking forward to seeing my family and they were also very excited-- Our bags were packed, car gassed up, and oil changed. We were ready!

But God had a different plan…

My husband kissed me goodbye and headed out the door to go to work, only to return a few minutes later...his car wouldn't start.

When, after a few minutes, we couldn’t figure out the problem, my plans of going to see my family were thrown to the wind.

After dropping my husband off at work, I prayed and cried out to God on my way home, "Why did this have to happen? I was really looking forward to this trip! This really stinks!"

All of my anguish and frustration and sadness came pouring out.
Isn't it good to know that we have such a patient God who listens to us and allows us to pour our hearts out to him?

When I think about how emotional I can be-- crying out in despair one minute, then praising God the next-- it reminds me of David and the Psalms.

“Oh Lord how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart? How long will the enemy have the upper hand?” Psalms 13:1-2 NLT



David is honest with God about how he is truly feeling. And the best part is that God doesn't get upset, frustrated, or angry at him- because God made us to be emotional.

After all of my emotions poured out and I became quiet, I could hear that still, small voice saying:
"I know that you're upset and disappointed, and I understand. I have known this was going to happen, and you need to trust me because I have a plan."

We all have moments when we feel like the world is spinning, moments of disappointment and anguish. But, like David, we cannot live in these moments.

Through it all, we must still put our trust in God: “But I will trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me! I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6

And God’s plan did not fail- that night I had the opportunity to speak encouragement and truth into the lives of some of the girls in our church’s youth group.

So for me, even though my plans were changed, I had a God ordained appointment that, had I gone out of town, I would have missed.

So as you go about your day and things don't go as you've planned-- don't ever be afraid to pour it all out to God. He is always there with a listening, understanding, and merciful ear. Know that God's plan for you is good and make it a point today to sing praises to Him despite your circumstances.

Verse:
“But I will trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me!
I will sing to the Lord for he is good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for being a loving and patient God who listens to me and understands how I feel. Help me to come to you, openly and honestly, because you know what's on my heart before I even speak. God help me to trust in your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Author:  Kim Crowe

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