When Things Don't Go As Planned: Maybe It's God's Plan

Follow the path God has for you.

I had several errands to run that day. I have forgotten what they were or even where I was going but there is one event that has stayed with me and drawn me closer to God. It has taught me to rely on Him even when I don’t see the things He sees. I now have a better understanding that, when things don't go as planned, maybe it is God's plan. This event has taught me more about the power of faith.

I pulled up to one of the busiest intersections in our small town. I had a choice of two lanes. I should have pulled into the left turn lane. Left was the direction I needed to go, but I came to a stop at the red light and discovered I had pulled into the wrong lane. I could either go straight or make a right-hand turn.

Sitting beside me in the left turn lane was a red van. I remember feeling a bit frustrated. That van had my spot. If it wasn’t there, I could back up a bit and reposition myself into the proper lane. I was upset with myself. I couldn’t understand why I had made such a mistake. The day was not getting off to a great start.

I decided to make a right on red and drove about half a block before pulling into a business parking lot. After turning around and waiting for a break in traffic I pulled out onto the road and headed toward the intersection once again.

As I approached the intersection I was stunned by the sight in front of me. On its side, tires still turning around and around, vehicle fluids spilling out onto the road, was the red van. It had been struck in the middle of the intersection by another vehicle.

I remember thinking how frustrated I was with myself, how I had wished my car was sitting where the red van had been. Now I found myself grateful it wasn’t me trapped in that van waiting for someone to help me out, or worse. I prayed for the woman in the van, but I also gave God thanks for protecting me.

Before we go any further let me state with absolutely no reservations, I do not believe God loves me more than He loves the woman who was driving the van. She is also a child created by Him, in His likeness, and she is loved by Him, just as we all are.

I do believe God has a plan for us all. On that day, His plan for me did not include being in an automobile accident. I don’t know what his plan for her was, it is not for me to decide. When we talk about the Christian journey for women, we must accept that it is different for each of us, as He works with us all as individuals in His way and His time.

This day taught me something I have incorporated into my life and it has become a part of my thoughts on a regular basis. I never get upset about running late, making a wrong turn, passing my exit, or getting lost. I don’t get upset about plans being cancelled, an event running too long, missing an appointment, or being delayed by someone else. I accept that my timing might not be God’s timing, and my plans might not be His. I would rather follow the path He has planned for me and arrive late than to follow my own and find it was a detriment to me or someone else.

Life has a way of throwing us a few curve balls. Sometimes God will use those curve balls to get our attention. Sometimes we have to be reminded to trust Him and include Him in our daily lives. He wants to be a part of our lives and our decisions, even if it is just errand day. He wants to be there for us.

As you read through the Bible you will find many times when God went before His people, His prophets, and His apostles. He had plans for them, sometimes they had no idea what was awaiting them as they turned the corner, but He knew. He always knew. Sometimes they suffered, other times they were saved, but He was always there, no matter what. He was always involved, strengthening them, leading them, showing them the way.

As you go through your day-to-day routine, remember to include Him, ask for guidance and protection. Ask Him to go before you, to show you the way, to lead you on the path He has laid out for you. And, in those times when you get frustrated with yourself for taking the wrong path or the wrong turn, remember it might be just what He had planned.

Cherish the Journey!

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