Change of Plans

2-24-2012 by Boyd Bailey

Change of Plans


“When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.” Acts 16:7-8

Sudden change can shake the faith foundation of the most ardent saints. The unexpected can cause trust to feel threatened. One day the Spirit seems to say one thing and the next day that door shuts and another one opens. Temperaments who like to be in control do not like the feeling of being out of control. But sudden change is a test of trust in Jesus.

We do our best at work and then we learn that our position will soon be eliminated. We invest in a romantic relationship over a year and then surprisingly—over coffee—learn, that we just need to be friends. We research and wait for the right cure for our disease, only to realize at the last moment that we do not qualify for the treatment. Change happens, and how we respond to change resides in our heart. Thus, experience Christ in change.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” Daniel 2:20-22

Christ uses change to change His children. Does your need for security trump your trust in Jesus? Does financial certainty have more influence in your life than intimacy with your heavenly Father? Perhaps abrupt change is an opportunity for your character to grow in God’s ways and learn to adapt with a grateful attitude. Fight change and you may flail about like a fatigued swimmer going up stream, or embrace change and excel ahead.

It is when we draft behind change that our understanding of His will accelerates. Sudden change may be your Savior’s way of protecting you from an unseen incident. By grace, do not grow suspect of a change in plans; instead see Christ in the change. Adjustments need to be made—transitions need to happen, so the ways of God can have their way. Christ doesn’t change, but our understanding of Him does—thus a change of plans.

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.” Number 23:19-20

What change am I facing that I need to embrace, trusting God in the process?

Related Readings: Genesis 31:7; 1 Samuel 10:9; Psalm 107:33-35; Hebrews 13:1