Whose Plan is it Anyway

A man's heart plans his way, but The Lord directs his steps - Proverbs 16:9

It's Good Friday, three days away from what will be my 50th Birthday. I don't know too many single women who celebrate their 50th birthday but, I've always loved mine and at every age I would have something planned out, especially for those milestone birthdays. At 16, I traveled with friends to NYC to see Bon Jovi play at Madison Square Garden. At 21, I was serving my country and even though I was away from home I'm thankful for those who served alongside me to help make that day special. Planning for this particular celebration, 50, had been in the works for over a year. I wanted to be surrounded by The Gospel, so I planned on going to two conferences: Together for The Gospel (T4G) and Secret Church (SC20). Everything had been purchased and all was well until a global pandemic ruined everything! Or did it?
To be clear I AM NOT SAYING GOD SENT THE PANDEMIC. What I am saying is that it didn't take Him by surprise and even though my heart is breaking I'm thankful I can see His grace.
Both of these organizations really stepped up to ensure that those who paid for the conference would still be able to attend, even if it is via live stream. I've been able to invest a great deal of time in  Disciples of Grace Today, to include looking over options for a podcast or live teaching sessions.
While my heart is still a bit bruised, because this is not the idea I had in mind for celebrating the half-century mark of my life, I am reminded of something Timothy Keller wrote in one of his twitter posts; "God always answers your prayers in precisely the way you want them to be answered if you knew everything He knew." Remembering and resting in God's Sovereignty in this season has been very helpful to me and I pray that as we go forward and face disappointments, as we all surely will, that we learn to ask to see God's grace in the midst of it. Cry if you must, I surely did, but then rise, wash your face, and look for Grace because He is there. 

In Christ, 
Storm

The book: Timothy Keller on Prayer can be purchased at lifeway.com 


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