EquipHer Vol. 18: "Change of Plans!"Sample

Day 1: Our Plans vs. Our Reality

Our lives, especially in leadership and professional roles, naturally compel us to meticulously plan every detail. We know the significance of managing our time wisely: scheduling appointments, coordinating meetings, and carefully outlining projects. Often, our calendars become more than mere tools; they become a source of security, providing comfort and a sense of control amidst our busy lives. But what happens when unexpected circumstances arise, turning our carefully organized plans upside down?

James 4:13-15 speaks directly to this tension we often feel: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'" This powerful passage reminds us that while planning is necessary and wise, ultimately our lives rest securely in God's hands, not our planners.

Reflect honestly for a moment: How often have you felt frustrated or anxious when your carefully laid plans were unexpectedly disrupted? Perhaps you've experienced anxiety, feeling that a deviation from your intended schedule could result in failure. We've all experienced these moments, especially in positions of leadership where the pressure to perform can feel overwhelming.

Yet, the Word of God invites us into a game-changing truth: real peace and genuine freedom come from surrendering our plans to God's greater purpose. When our hearts remain flexible, we position ourselves to embrace unexpected blessings and opportunities, recognizing these interruptions as moments divinely orchestrated for our benefit.

Reflection Questions:

• What prevents you from fully making space for God in your daily plans? Is it fear of uncertainty, worry that your plans might fail, or perhaps anxiety about losing control and feeling unprepared?
• What change might occur in your life if you genuinely let go of these fears?

Prayer: Lord, teach me to plan wisely, but most importantly, grant me the courage and humility to make space for Your guidance. Help me always remember that Your plans surpass my best expectations and that Your love directs my every step. Even when the road ahead seems unclear and circumstances exceed my understanding, teach me to fully trust in You, confident that nothing is random in Your hands.