When God Disrupts Our Plans: A Merciful Redirect

When God Mercifully Ruins Our Plans

Have you ever had your plans derailed by unforeseen circumstances? Maybe you lost your job, your relationship ended, or you received a difficult diagnosis. Whatever it is, it can be unsettling when things don't go according to plan. But what if these disruptions are actually acts of mercy from God? What if he is using these moments to redirect us toward his will and purposes?

In Genesis 11, we see an example of people who had a plan that was not aligned with God's will. The people of Babel had decided to build a tower to make a name for themselves and to avoid being scattered over the earth (Genesis 11:4). But their plan was not in line with God's plan for them.

When Our Plans are Self-Centered

The people of Babel wanted to make a name for themselves, but God had a different plan for them. He wanted them to go and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1). Their plan was self-centered, but God's plan was others-centered.

Often, our plans are self-centered as well. We want success, comfort, and security for ourselves. But God's plans are always others-centered. He wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). When we are focused on our own plans, we can miss out on the opportunities God is giving us to serve others and advance his kingdom.

When Our Plans are Derailed

But what happens when our plans are derailed? When our carefully crafted plans fall apart and we are left feeling lost and uncertain?

It can be tempting to feel angry or resentful toward God in these moments. We may wonder why he allowed this to happen to us. But when we look at the story of Babel, we see that God's plan included disrupting the people's plans. He confused their language and scattered them over the earth (Genesis 11:7-9).

God's disruption of our plans can be an act of mercy. It can be a way for him to redirect us toward his will and purposes. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8).

When Our Plans are Aligned with God's Will

Of course, it's possible for our plans to align with God's will. When we seek his guidance and submit our plans to him, he can use them for his glory. In fact, Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

But even when our plans are aligned with God's will, they may be disrupted. We see this in the life of Joseph. He knew that God had given him dreams of greatness, but his brothers sold him into slavery and he ended up in prison. But through it all, God was working out his plan for Joseph's life. He eventually became second in command in Egypt and was used by God to save many lives (Genesis 50:20).

When God's Plans are Different than Ours

Ultimately, we must come to terms with the fact that God's plans are often different than ours. We may have our hearts set on a certain career, relationship, or lifestyle, but God may have something else in mind for us.

When we trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can rest in the knowledge that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Even when our plans are disrupted, we can trust that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives.

Conclusion

When our plans are disrupted, it can be easy to feel disoriented and uncertain. But when we look at the story of Babel, we see that God's disruption of our plans can be an act of mercy. He may be redirecting us toward his will and purposes.

When our plans are self-centered, we can miss out on the opportunities God is giving us to serve others and advance his kingdom. But when our plans are aligned with God's will, he can use them for his glory, even when they are disrupted.

Ultimately, we must trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when his plans are different than ours. He is working all things together for our good and his glory.