An Ultimate Better Outcome
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)
Often times we rely too much on our own understanding; we start pouting when things don’t go the way we think they should. We have our mind set and when things work themselves out differently, we ask the question “Why?”.
Over the years I have learned that, for whatever reason, when things change, God has His Hands in the ‘change of plans’ and I am totally fine with that. Don’t get me wrong; I still get a flustered when things go in a different direction than I expected or had planned.
For instant: a week ago I checked my app for my flight to Germany (22 D – 18H – 48 M, but who is counting) at the end of August. All of a sudden I see the flight back to Arizona being changed from Hannover – Paris – LAX. Ahm…not what I had booked. What in the world would I do in L.A. when I live in Phoenix? Seriously; why do I check on things late Sunday nights when I am about to go to bed? Beyond me!
At any rate, my original plan had changed to an uncertain destination. Let me tell you; I did not sleep well that night. You see, my return flight from Germany to Phoenix was carefully orchestrated with my niece, who will be spending some time in Arizona with me. Honestly, I am glad that I did not reach anyone on Sunday night. Who knows what I may have said to the airline representative. I was very upset to say the least.
The next morning I had a different outlook on things. I knew that there had to be a reason for the change by the airline. As I was having my quiet time in the morning, I asked God to help me stay calm during my phone call with the airline. The only thing I made clear (in a very calm and nice manner) to the representative was that I needed to be on the same flight as my niece. It all worked out in the end; we are on the same flight going via Amsterdam to New York to Phoenix.
And you know what? The way this worked out is much better than I had planned…Coming back this way, I can help my niece find the way through the New York Airport. She is flying back the same way – via New York – Amsterdam.
My sweet friends; even if our original plans change, God will work it out in a way that it would be even better than our original plan. I have seen His work through my entire life, and I need not be surprised that He alters my original plans slightly for an ultimate better outcome.
Lord of Mercy and Grace. Help us to trust You with our whole heart and not lean on our own understanding. Help us to see Your hands when things go in a different direction from our original plans. Lord, we are trusting You with our salvation; we want to trust with all of our life. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen!
Loved hearing your thoughts Iris! Many times plans changed for me and I would get upset, but after it was over I could see the whole picture. God is such a good God!
Thanks for sharing your real life example Iris and the lesson we can gain from that.