CHANGE OF PLANS

Change of plans.

When we look in our diaries we are reminded of all the things we would have been doing if we were not on lockdown.

Last week we were due to be on holiday in Dorset – a refreshing week by the sea … but no longer possible. It reminded me of one of the things I love to do when on holiday and that is to watch the waves coming in and then breaking on the rocks or the beach. As the tide comes in one wave will cover a bit more of the sand and then a less powerful wave, but then another comes even further until gradually the tide comes to its height. This is for me a reminder of God’s power. He is in control and enfolds us with his grace. 

However, plans have been changed – no beach, no sea, no cliff walks.

We plan ….. but sometimes God has other plans.

The apostle Paul and his companions had just that experience. (Acts 16:6-10) Prevented from preaching the word in the province of Asia, they tried to enter Bithynia but the Spirit of Jesus stopped them, so they went down to Troas. And it was there that Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia begging him: “come over to Macedonia and help us” .... and that was when Paul changed direction and followed the promptings of God’s Spirit resulting in the encounter with Lydia and the planting of the church in Philippi.

One door closes and another opens. But there can be a waiting period in between – a time for reassessment, for testing, for prayer and listening so that we are prepared for the next step.

Many plans have been changed these past few weeks and we may well ask “what is God’s plan?” May we wait patiently, in tune with God, listening to all that he wants to teach us and the way he wants to use us.

“Risen Christ break through the walls of all that keeps us from encountering and recognising you. Speak your peace and breathe upon us that we may breathe your peace into a troubled world.” (northumbrianreflections)