There is a saying “best-laid plans of mice and man!” But often than not, I am forever saying, “I make plans, and God laughs.” Most days, I feel as if I am His most prominent source of amusements than other days I asked my self why didn’t I listen. 

Once you become a parent, you realize that your schedule must be written in pencil or chalk, for each day, your child’s need may disrupt the plans you had for that day. Unfortunately, this predicament doesn’t end as they get older, but I digress. We sideline our projects to ensure that their needs are met. But what if the change of plans was for our good from what we planned?

There have been many days I thought I knew what I was going to do and how it would be accomplished. But as the day progress, major obstacle or delays impeded my scheduled day.  At first, like many, it would frustrate me, and I wouldn’t understand the purpose at the moment. However, when I would look back and had more information about what was going on or how the change benefited me, I exhaled. 

The word says that God works all things for our good. But often time we don’t see when the negative impact could be for our good. For example, you are getting ready for work, but for some reason, you are delayed leaving your home. You missed your Norman train, and now you are frustrated. Or that morning, you find that you have an infirmity that either forces you to call out or to make an unexpected trip to the doctor ‘s office, yet you know you have worked that is required to go out that day. The imposition of your health now has caused delays you didn’t want. But what if the impediments that cause one to miss your regular train or the sickness that inflicted you saved your life. 

On 9/11, if ever there was a morning that the change is routine or scheduled was welcomed, this morning was one of them. For that morning, all three scenarios happened to people that saved their life or in my case, removed me from that danger. If ever the Word of God in Roman 8:28 was lived out in many people’s lives, this was such a date.

But the disruption in plans doesn’t have to be so drastic. It could be delays or detours or a complete change of what we thought we should be accomplishing. But when we look back over the day,  we realize that we made out better than we initially thought. The change allowed for blessings; in the long run, we couldn’t have imagined. 

Each morning my prayer and desire are for God to order my steps and my tongue to use me as He sees fit. Do Not Pray this is you aren’t willing to relinquish your will. Though I have my agenda in mind, I leave myself open to the direction of God. I may have one idea or place I believe I need to go or do, but a thought says to change location. If you are sensitive to the small gentle voice, you adhere to that voice and follow. You allow His will to be done in and through you. For as we use Waze in our cars to direct us around traffic delays quickly and safely. How much should we allow the all-knowing (He is the Alpha and Omega) God to guide our path, knowing He is right there with us each step of the way.

Write your schedule in pencil and allow God to guide you every step of the way according to His plan.

DECEMBER 5, 2019
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS
When situations arise that require a deviation from your routine, be flexible. Be willing to change your mind and your plans to be more fluid. I am still with you, leading and guiding your steps. Trust Me and accommodate My plans and purposes for you, says the Lord. Do not be afraid. Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them and not forsake them.