We all have plans. Plans for today. Plans for tomorrow. Plans for the future.  And of course, sometimes our plans don’t work out just as we expected.

 

We were planning to move to the Bolivian mission field but then I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I got better and was making plans to return to Bolivia for a three month trip to test my immune system But then I had a relapse of the Leukemia. Before I got better again we were talking about how we serve in local missions while supporting global missions from “home.” Then I came down with two rare blood infections. One of those now requires daily infusions at the hospital for a number of months.  Then the latest bone marrow report shows 1% cancer remains. The doctor says we are in a race against time, to cure the infection before the cancer grows, leaving dim prospects from a medical perspective. It reminds us of a scriptural truth:

 

“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

 

Maybe you’ve made plans that were seemingly thwarted, even after consulting God and other mature Christians. You were sure of the “call” you heard, but everything seems to stand in your way.  Take comfort. Delays that seem untimely in our minds fit perfectly in God’s plan. Consider the paralyzed man who laid by the healing pool for 28 years, waiting for someone to help him into the pool, before Jesus came along and healed him. Or this: Even after David was anointed king he had to wait 14 years to assume his rightful throne. Fourteen years also separated Paul’s conversion from his first missionary journey. Have you ever wondered what they did in the interim? I suspect they drew even closer to God and listened carefully to his voice. I imagine that God used that time to prepare them for their future ministry. Maybe he used that time also to protect them from other perils.

 

It’s likely the same for you and me. You’ve heard, “When a door is closed, God opens a window.” But sometimes the door is just closed. There is no other way to go. You may feel stuck in a place you don’t want to be. But if it’s a place God intends for you, you just have to be still and know that God is indeed God. Draw close to God in your waiting and he will draw close to you. And be aware that “the plan” may need revision. Paul intended to go places to preach the gospel but was thwarted in his efforts so he could reach others instead. Remember:

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

 

While you want to make plans for tomorrow, talk with God about the good things he intends to reveal in your place of waiting today.