We plan, prepare and pray, often with the best of intentions. But sometimes, those plans are interrupted. A cancelled flight, a sudden illness, a change of circumstance – these moments of unexpected change can feel frustrating, even devastating. We might ask, “Why is this happening?” or “What good can possibly come from this?”
But what if, in those moments of unexpected change, God is providing an opportunity for us to be stretched and for His glory to be seen? Something far greater than we could have imagined. What if the cancelled flight, the unexpected delay, is actually a divine appointment in disguise? What if when our plans are turned upside down, that is when we become most aware of God’s hand at work?
Think about it: If your flight hadn’t been cancelled, you wouldn’t have been in that specific place at that specific time. You wouldn’t have encountered the person who needed help, the opportunity to offer comfort, the chance to share your faith. The need that was met, the life that was touched, might never have happened if your plans had gone smoothly.
Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
This doesn’t mean that every inconvenience is a direct act of God, but it does mean that God can and will use even the most frustrating situations for His purposes and His glory! God uses disruptions to stretch our faith. When our plans fall apart, we’re forced to rely on Him more fully. We learn to trust in His provision and to find peace in the midst of uncertainty. And sometimes, as in the example to be shared, God uses disruptions to connect us with people in need. He places us in the right place at the right time to be a vessel of His love and grace. It’s a reminder that our lives are not just about our own plans, but about being available to serve others and to be a light in the world.
We recently experienced this firsthand – a school had been serving with us in the Dominican Republic and as they prepared to return home, a snow storm swept through cancelling flights and delaying their return by several days. Devastation or opportunity? They chose opportunity!
After multiple days of spending time with children near our campus, they decided to invite the children to church, and 15 children came that Sunday because they were here to invite them. The students from the school prepared and led children’s church for the children they invested in. But that’s not the end of the story….
The school shared they had some unused funds and would be willing to serve as needed. It just so happened that a local church partner had reached out sharing a critical need for food. The school immediately said “YES” to helping meet this critical need. They arrived at the church, food in hand. Their pantry was basically empty, the pastor shared they were praying that God would send someone to help meet the need. Prayer answered!
So, the next time your plans are disrupted, take a moment to pause and ask God what He might be doing. Be open to the possibility that He is working in ways you can’t see. Trust that He is in control, and allow Him to use even the most frustrating situations for His glory and your good. You might be surprised at the amazing things He can do when we surrender our plans to Him.
Written by Karen Vogsberger