Adulting Ain't Easy: A 7-Day Reading Plan for 20-SomethingsSample

Change of Plans

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. JEREMIAH 29:11 THE MESSAGE

Alexandra and her husband, Miguel, were renting a cottage for a week away and soaking up the time alone together. They planned a day trip: a little canoe ride to the island in the middle of the lake for a picnic. Miguel steered the canoe toward the island. It was called Gull Island, and Alexandra was excited about the mini adventure, but as they paddled, they began to notice seagulls—a lot of them. Alexandra squinted through her sunglasses. The closer they got to the island, the more birds there seemed to be. Alexandra wasn’t the biggest fan of birds, but she didn’t want her silly fear to keep them from a wonderful afternoon.

Except that, the seagulls started to swoop down to the canoe, sensing the food Alexandra had so thoughtfully packed. “They’re coming for us!” Alexandra yelled. “I’m trying to steer us away,” Miguel said, panicked. “But the wind keeps pushing us forward.” Dozens of seagulls swooped and dove. Miguel paddled harder. Alexandra grabbed the other paddle, working as hard as she could. Finally, they turned around and started to paddle away. Alexandra took out her phone and entered Gull Island into her search engine. “Miguel,” she said. “That island is a bird sanctuary!”

Alexandra and Miguel had planned their day with a very specific direction in mind. Sometimes we can do that in life. We set out, determined to get to a certain destination, unaware that it might not be the best one for us. It’s hard when plans change midstream. Jesus understands how disappointing it is for us. But He also sees the big picture and wants the very best for us. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows the plans He has for us—and His plans are always for our good. He promises that what He desires for us is to prosper us, not to harm us.

We can take so much comfort from this verse when our plans and dreams have been changed, knowing God is working for our good. It is hard to believe this amid difficulties, uncertainties, pain, and fear. But God’s Word is truth, and we can trust Him, always—no matter what.

I CAN CHOOSE TO TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN MY PLANS CHANGE.

Jesus, I’m so sad that my plans have had to change, but I am choosing to trust and believe that You are going to do what is very best for me.