Embracing Interruptions: Trusting God's Plan When Our Plans Are Disrupted

Plan to be Interrupted

As humans, we like to plan our days, weeks, and even our entire lives. We set goals, make schedules, and do everything in our power to ensure that our plans come to fruition. However, no matter how much we plan, interruptions are inevitable. Unexpected events can disrupt our plans, and we are left feeling frustrated and powerless. As Christians, how do we respond when our plans are interrupted?

The Sovereignty of God

As believers, we know that God is sovereign over all things. He is in control of the universe, and nothing happens without his permission. The Bible tells us in Psalm 135:6 that “whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.” This means that even the smallest interruption in our plans is not a surprise to God. He allows these interruptions to happen for a reason, and we can trust that he has a plan for our lives.

One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This verse reminds us that even when our plans are interrupted, God is working everything for our good. He is using these interruptions to shape us and mold us into the person he wants us to be.

The Example of Jesus

When we are faced with interruptions in our plans, we can look to the example of Jesus for guidance. Throughout his ministry, Jesus was constantly interrupted. People would come to him with their problems, and he would stop what he was doing to help them. He was never too busy or too important to take time for others.

In Mark 5, we read about a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on doctors, but no one could help her. When she heard that Jesus was in town, she went to find him. She thought to herself, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” When she touched Jesus’ cloak, she was instantly healed. Jesus stopped what he was doing and asked who had touched him. When the woman came forward, he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34).

Jesus could have easily ignored the woman and continued on his way, but he chose to stop and help her. He saw her interruption as an opportunity to show his love and demonstrate his power. As followers of Jesus, we should strive to have the same attitude. Instead of seeing interruptions as obstacles, we should view them as opportunities to serve others and glorify God.

The Importance of Flexibility

In order to respond well to interruptions, we need to be flexible. We need to be willing to change our plans and adapt to new situations. This can be difficult, especially if we are used to having everything under control. But as we grow in our faith, we learn to trust that God’s plans are better than our own.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” This verse reminds us that no matter how much we plan, it is ultimately God’s purpose that will prevail. We can make all the plans we want, but if they don’t align with God’s will, they will ultimately fail.

Being flexible doesn’t mean that we should abandon all planning. It simply means that we should hold our plans loosely and be willing to adjust them as needed. We should be open to new opportunities and willing to say yes to unexpected invitations. We should also be willing to say no to things that don’t align with God’s will for our lives.

Embracing the Interruptions

Instead of viewing interruptions as annoyances, we should learn to embrace them. We should see them as opportunities to grow in our faith and serve others. When we are interrupted, we can ask ourselves, “How can I use this interruption for God’s glory?”

One way we can do this is by being present in the moment. Instead of being frustrated and distracted by the interruption, we can choose to fully engage with the person or situation in front of us. We can listen attentively, offer help, and offer prayers. We can also use the interruption as an opportunity to share the gospel and point others to Jesus.

Another way we can embrace interruptions is by recognizing that they are often divine appointments. God may be using the interruption to put us in contact with someone who needs to hear about Jesus. He may be using it to stretch us and take us out of our comfort zones. When we view interruptions in this way, we can approach them with a sense of anticipation and excitement, knowing that God is at work.

Conclusion

As we go about our daily lives, we will undoubtedly face interruptions. These interruptions can be frustrating, but they can also be opportunities to grow in our faith and serve others. By embracing the interruptions and being flexible, we can learn to trust in God’s sovereignty and see his hand at work in our lives. Let us remember the words of Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”