When God Changes Our Plans

-August 19, 2022-

Good morning, happy Friday,

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

(Proverbs 16:9).

Solomon saw this principle in action when his father David planned build the temple but God changed the plan and commanded that his son Solomon build it instead after David’s death. Interestingly, Solomon’s son Rehoboam, who followed him as king planned to fight against the ten northern tribes to bring them back under his control. God showed him that he should not fight but it was of the Lord for the kingdom to be divided.

Got any plans? Plans for the weekend? Plans for school or work? Plans for college? Plans for vacation? Plans to buy a new car, house, or have a baby? Plans for next week, next month, or next year? Plans to retire? We, like everyone else in the world, need to and do make plans. As God’s people we are acutely aware that God may have another plan. Sometimes it may be an accident or illness, or it may be financial set back, or any number of things that can change the plan. It may be that other people who were part of the plan can’t do it.

Our text says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” We shouldn’t get frustrated or discouraged when God changes our plans. In fact, we should rejoice! Perhaps God is protecting us from something bad that would have happened to us. He always knows best and gives us something better. Everything and everyone changes, but the Lord never changes. God is sovereign and acts according to His will. God can and does change our plans. He often uses people, circumstances, and other things to direct our steps.

Only God knows the future for us and for everyone and everything. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This verse has helped and encouraged countless Christians down through the centuries. It is a command with a promise. We also have the tremendous promise in Romans 8:28 that says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Joseph was a dreamer. He had two dreams in particular that he would rule over his family. When his brothers sold him into slavery, it seemed the whole plan changed. He worked for Potiphar then was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and was thrown into prison. Through all this God raised him up to the second highest place in Egypt. He ruled over Egypt, his family, and the whole world. Sometimes God has another plan.

There is a modern Christian song that says, “Forsaken by his brothers, didn’t fit the scene, being made a slave was not what Joseph dreamed. The coat of many colors was stained with blood and lies, but from this Divine appointment, a ruler would arise. When God has another plan, walk on and just say yes, when God has another plan, be assured that He knows best. When all your plans are shattered, rest in His sufficient grace, we don’t have to understand, when God has another plan.”

There is a very common expression in advertising today, “Subject to change without prior notice.” Let us then thank God our plans are always subject to change according to God’s master plan. He not only rules but He overrules; He not only routes but He re-routes; He not only directs but He redirects; and He not guides, but directs our every step.

Have a blessed day whether our plans come to fruition or He changes the plan. Our Lord guides each step we take today. Stay safe and healthy.

Walking with the Savior,

Dean