Dealing with Unexpected Changes
Back in 2022, Jerry and I audaciously attempted an 8,500 mile East Coast ride, to finish all 48 states on a bike for him, and my last 3 for 50. It fell apart in Connecticut, but we decided to try again in May 2023. That blew up on the first day, but Jerry suggested day rides from his place in Oregon, which included a longer multi-day trip: backroads to Estacada and catch 224 that paralleled the Clackamas River, then take 46 to Detroit, then we’d figure it out.
We grabbed a bite in Estacada, then followed the river. A lot of stops along it made me wish I’d brought a trout rod, but this was a biking trip. The road then turned to the south, and we began climbing. Lush evergreens hemmed us in, and we got a little snow alongside. Then came the pic above, snow on the road and a tree fallen across. But another biker had come down, so we slipped through the pine branches. More snow, but the road was good enough…until we reached a steel gate with a road closed sign. The first. No lock. Do we risk it? We walked just ahead and snow soon covered the road.
We had to retrace our entire route, back to Jerry’s house. Yes, we got annoyed that Oregon didn’t post a road closed sign earlier. But the verse in Corinthians about how God always leads in triumph helped. Besides, we gained a fresh perspective on a lot of beautiful country. And saved the cost of a motel room.
Robert Burns said it well, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.” A pretty wise and gifted poet who knew life. Proverbs 16:9 serves as one of my life verses, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (NLT). One of my go to phrases has become, “It is what it is.” Reality. God can get in the way of many of our plans. Other’s choices do that. Circumstances, like our snow-blocked road. We may realize it’s not ideal and change our minds. So, for those of us who like having a plan, maybe we can adapt to reality and make a Plan B. Or C, depending on our level of obsession.
But best, let’s trust in God. Romans 8:28 has a multitude of translations, one says “all things work for good,” but the NIV better expresses it, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God works in all things for good when we choose to accept his purpose for us. So we think of our plans, evaluate them, count the cost, and make them, knowing that God works for our spiritual good whatever happens. We can relax, knowing God has our best in mind.
Kick Starting the Application
How much do you plan your life? How committed are you to those? When your plans go astray, do you get upset and frown or smile? How much do you involve God in your plans and results?