“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. (Jer. 29:11)
Expanded Passage: Jeremiah 29:10-12
They were driving at night on a quiet country highway. Without warning, a truck pulled out in front of them. Not enough time to stop. Crash. The car was crunched. Skin was torn, bones were broken. Michelle had fractures in her ankle and knee and spent the next several days in the hospital. Right after surgery, she jumped on a video chat with her boss, intending to craft a new arrangement to work remotely while she recovered. Instead, her boss fired her. This was not the way Michelle planned to start her summer. Injuries. Surgeries. Long recoveries. Unemployment.
Have you ever been cruising along in life, windows down, enjoying the fresh air, when suddenly pain or disappointment came crashing in? Most of us have some plans or dreams in mind, whether or not they’re actually written down. We want to be successful. We desire for our families to be healthy and happy. We want to do well at work or school. But life doesn’t always pay attention to our plan. When our path takes unexpected turns, it’s important to remember that while our plans may have failed, God has an even better plan. He is working in the midst of the crash. All is not lost. In fact, he may be doing some of his greatest miracles when our plans fall apart.
Trust God when things don’t go according to plan.
Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway (Wesleyan) Church, in Warsaw, Ind.. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
