When God Changes Our Plans

We started planning it last summer, my sisters and I. A mother-daughter trip to be held this June for just Mom and us four girls. Our first ever. And if truth be told, probably the only one that will ever happen, given Mom’s age and the difficulty of coordinating everyone’s schedules.

When my sister Debbie from Phoenix was back home last July, the ideas started flying. All sorts of exciting locations were mentioned as possibilities, but the first thing to be decided was the time of year that would work best for everyone. After Debbie returned home, the discussion continued via email. The final consensus was June.

Next came selecting a location. After praying for God’s direction, we considered a number of factors, everything from the weather to distance to expense. I wanted to go big, to possibly go somewhere I’d never been before, but after taking everything into consideration, we decided on a location just a few hours away from the majority of us. Debbie would have to fly, of course.

With a location decided, finding accommodations then took center stage. We wanted a place where we could stay together and also have a living area to relax in. We checked the VRBO site (Vacation Rental By Owner—a wonderful way to find condos/homes for vacation) but ended up going with a hotel that had suites.

We also talked about activities, sights to see, and a few restaurants and had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to do during our time together. We even made plans to have our own little Sunday morning share session like our “Church in a Condo” time that Don and I enjoyed with our kids on vacation last summer. We were all set.

But you know what? God changed our plans. He allowed a crisis to come up. Last week we had to cancel our trip at the last minute.

Were we disappointed? Of course. We had been planning it for a year—and we haven’t seen Debbie since last summer. But in the midst of the disappointment, we are at peace. God loves us and we can trust him. He has us all exactly where we need to be right now. And after all, resting in him—resting in his will—is the best place we can be.

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

*When has God changed your plans?

*Flickr photo by the Italian voice

*Note: I changed the title of my blog to more accurately reflect my tagline and brand. If you have my link listed on your blogroll, would you please change it to read simply “Cheryl Barker”? Thanks!

Comments

  1. Oh how I know this! It is hard when you feel like you’ve got everything mapped out only to see He has another plan. Hang in there, sweet friend. He is faithful. : )

  2. I know all about God changing my plans! I should probably just try to stop making plans :)

  3. Kay, so glad we can count on the fact that he is indeed faithful. And Kristin, you may have hit on the key — well, flexibility anyway! :)

  4. Hi Cheryl,

    The new blog title and caption looks nice!

    So, what was the sad factor that changed your trip? I’m sorry for you girls!

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

  5. Thanks, Jennifer. There was a health crisis in one of my sister’s family. Still in need of prayers, please!

  6. So sorry to hear that you had to cancel your plans. I know how disappointing it is to have to change your plans, and I’m glad you found peace in that decision.

  7. Thanks, Kirsten!

  8. What are these “plans” you speak of? I know not the definition! :)

    Seriously, I get it. Happens sometimes. We just have to rest in His peace when plans change.

    Sometimes, though, it is easier said than done.

    I hope y’all get another chance to set the plans in motion and have that special time together!

  9. Thanks, Donna! We’re not going to get to plan the getaway anytime soon, but my sis from Phoenix is getting to come home, along with her husband, for a long weekend in July. So looking forward to seeing them!

  10. So sorry your plans had to be cancelled and hoping not something real serious has happened. I am learning that when God changes my plans there is a blessing somewhere in it for us. Hope you can reschedule it someday soon.

  11. You’re right, Nanette. We can count on God and his blessings!

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