As a fisherman on Lake Michigan (one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes), I’ve had to change my plans on many occasions. Stormy weather or high waves have forced me to resort to a Plan B: either canceling the trip or limiting my fishing to the safer waters of a harbor or smaller inland lake. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not ideal.
In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul mentioned that he had planned many times to visit them (Romans 1:13). For many years, Plan A was to travel to Rome and remind the Christians who lived there of all that’s involved in the good news of Jesus. Again and again, however, other circumstances and ministry objectives prevented him from making the trip (Romans 15:22). So Paul eventually resorted to Plan B—he wrote a letter and shared what he initially wanted to present in person. That letter is what we know today as the New Testament book of Romans.
When Paul finally sat down to write his letter, he may have been tempted to think he was settling for Plan B. He likely wasn’t aware that he was about to pen a letter that would change the world.
One of the more fascinating subplots surrounding the book of Romans is that if Paul had gone with Plan A, we would not have one of the richest books in the New Testament.
Sometimes our plans fall through and we have to go with a Plan B. And, yes, it can be inconvenient and frustrating at times. But try to keep in mind that God knows the bigger picture. Like Paul and the book of Romans, what may seem like Plan B to us has really been God’s Plan A.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: James 1:2-27
More:
It was quite an adventure, but Acts 27–28 records how Paul eventually arrived in Rome.
Next:
What Plan B are you aware of that God turned into a true blessing? Why is it vital that we seek God’s way instead of forcing our own?
Alvin on December 19, 2011 at 3:54 am
Thanks Jeff for the reminder that even if things dont happen as we want them to be, it’s still God’s perfect will that will prevail. Godbless
sheleenc on December 19, 2011 at 5:25 am
Plan B can save a life too. My husband, a truck driver, was supposed to be unloaded and be on his way to pick up another load but the unload was postponed for 20+ hours. The place he was supposed to be for the next load had a really bad accident on the interstate. I believe that God’s plan B saved his life that day. We use this as a testimony as to God’s plan
daleproulx on December 19, 2011 at 6:53 am
My Plan A was to have three biological children. God’s “Plan B” was for two of my three children to come into our family through adoption.
Jeff Olson on December 19, 2011 at 9:14 am
Thanks for sharing…those are great examples of Divine change of plans.
alli on December 19, 2011 at 10:59 am
im living plan b, ppl made mistakes and the truth is God doesnt necessarily change stuff he just rearranges stuff and may use someone else. But i know with this situations if a certain place is hostile to the Gospel or what He is trying to do He may know the folks hearts already.I’ve seen God move me out of the situations b/c of hostile ppl. i thought i was gonna have a certain family but because the enemy has been trying to destroy me i know it may have to wait or come through another way. But its all good, God’s will will be accomplished no matter what. Lord at Herod he tried to kill the baby Jesus God had to move mary and Joseph but it was all part of the plan..
Koopsters on December 19, 2011 at 11:50 am
First off, you may have been in the same Church service as I was yesterday because that was basically a parallel line with the message.
Now, here is my question. Please don’t look down on me for a elementary question like this one. Yes, our plan B can be God’s plan A, then where is the line between our free will and God’s predetermined plan? I know nothing surprizes God.
Jeff Olson on December 20, 2011 at 9:33 am
Koopsters, there are no foolish questions. You ask a valid question that I don’t have a clear answer for. Those who are far more theological astute than I will ever be have been wrestling with this question for centuries. Frankly, I don’t think anyone (other than God) can clearly define where that line is. Still, I believe the Bible teaches both the Sovereignty of God and the free-will of man and that we live within the mystery and tension of the two.
mike wittmer on December 19, 2011 at 4:49 pm
This is great advice, Jeff. I had one of these Plan B experiences last week when I was trying to fix my van, and inadvertently broke something else, and what was supposed to take about an hour took most of my day. I thought that I would have felt less frustrated if I had built in a delay into my plan–that way when things go wrong it’s about what I expected, and if everything goes well then I’m ecstatic.
conmeo on December 19, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Thanks jeff. I pray Gods pan b works. But I know it will. pray for me a sinner
Jeff Olson on December 20, 2011 at 9:35 am
Conmeo, we have lifted you up in prayer as you asked.
winn collier on December 20, 2011 at 5:20 pm
I’m often unsettled by B plans. Thanks for the invitation to trust.
OnMyWayHome on December 20, 2011 at 8:48 pm
I feel like most of my plans turn into Plan B and many a times its to send me somewhere, see someone, help another, or to work on my faith and my patience.
Today my brakes went out and my daughter was driving our van only to have may plans for tomorrow to be totally changed. For what reasons I dont know yet I will know and learn from it tomorrow.
daisymarygoldr on December 22, 2011 at 10:25 am
Good post and comments!
God’s sovereignty determines even how the dice falls. So as far as He is concerned, there is no such thing as Plan B. People may make plans A and B, but God directs our steps to His prearranged plan. Faith enables us to see the big picture. It gives us the clear vantage point from God’s perspective. By faith Abraham left his country and kin because he saw Christ and His Kingdom from afar.
In my case, coming to this country was plan B. Plan A was to go and be with my family for the delivery of our firstborn. Instead, after my due date we found ourselves flying for fifteen hours or so nonstop to the USA. Unlike Mary, who fully trusted Joseph taking her on a donkey ride during delivery time, I was completely convinced my husband had made the wrong decision. As we winged our way across the Atlantic Ocean, I remember telling God if this was not His will, then it would have been perfectly okay if He had turned the jumbo jet around and took us to the destination in His plan. Then, my mind was whizzing with a million whys. Now, I know exactly why. When our lives are centered on God’s will, we experience peace and joy regardless of the circumstances.
God knows beforehand all the choices we will make with our free will and causes all things to work together—for His predetermined plan to be carried out for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.