Change of Plans

The one word many people hate to hear is Change. It often means that the security we have built up in whatever our life’s routine is, has been challenged, and it forces us to step out of our comfort zone. And, unless we are adaptable, a change of plans may cause us to tailspin out of control.

Case in point, the rich young ruler, who thought he was doing everything right, was given an opportunity to change. His response, to walk away, declining the invitation of his creator to make a real difference. We don’t know how he handled the rest of his life, but I am betting that he didn’t feel so good about himself anymore. In this case, what would we do? And, have we been guilty of walking away from God’s opportunity to help us make a change of plans in the past?

The problem is that we place our plans way ahead of his. We make a list of things to do (I do every day), but do we allow for God to interrupt our agenda and have us ad lib? For practical example, would we talk to someone who needed an ear if our man made list took priority over the present need?

Lots of questions that lead me to believe that a change of plans is a normal agenda for the God who sees and knows us. He constantly challenges me to be fast on my feet, ever able to adapt to the moment and hear the opportunity to be “uncomfortable” for Him. The real truth though, is that change for the better usually results in a better and more secure relationship with Him. In cliché terms, letting go means letting God in.

Change of plans……….”If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm,
then I will let you live in this place, in the land I give your forefathers for ever and ever.
But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.”  Jeremiah 7:5-8

The truth is, real security comes from following the “to do” list of our Lord, not from the things we have acquired or put back for our retirement. It does not come from our accomplishments of getting things done if they are not things He wants done.

If we trust in the deception that what we created is better than what he can give us, we will never make a change of plans! Last question, what are your plans?