Change of plans???

This past weekend, we embarked upon another overlanding and camping trip with friends. We had an amazing, epic location picked out for our first night’s camp, right below the highest mountain in Idaho. It is absolutely stunning, to say the least!

However, along the way, one of the vehicles in our group began having engine trouble. We decided to stay back in the valley with them while the other four vehicles continued on to our planned campsite. It was disappointing, to say the least. We had been looking forward to that incredible campsite and the fellowship with old friends, but as the evening unfolded, we discovered that God had other plans for us.

We saw a black bear, enjoyed the beauty of the valley, and had a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and get to know the crew we were traveling with even better. What initially seemed like a disappointing change of plans turned out to be a blessing of its own.

Sometimes in life, our plans, even the ones that seem perfect to us, are not always God's plans.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.”

We make our plans. We choose our destination. We map out the route. But ultimately, God directs our steps. Sometimes He even changes the route!

So, when things change, when your plans fall apart, or when life simply does not go the way you expected, take a moment and look around. You may discover blessings that you would have completely missed had everything gone according to your plans.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Notice that Paul does not say that all things are good. Sometimes they aren't. But God is able to take all things, even our disappointments, delays, detours, and unexpected changes, and work them together for our good and His purpose.

Sometimes when the truck breaks down it turns out to be part of the journey God wanted us to experience all along.