Rain was the last thing I expected for our poolside Hawaiian party. I did not plan on drizzling gray skies when we envisioned hula-dancing, a Limbo contest, swimming, and a backyard cookout for my daughter’s 10th birthday. So, when we woke up to a rainstorm on Saturday morning, my heart sank. Evidently, I needed to change the plans I’d worked so hard on.
Although inwardly I dreaded 2 hours of corralling 12 lively hula-dancers in our small living room, I put on a brave smile when the doorbell rang.
You’ve probably also had times when your plans fell through.
Maybe it was more serious than a child’s birthday party. Life can take unexpected turns that remind us we are not in control:
- A pandemic that cancels all your events and trips.
- A job you never expected to lose.
- A relationship conflict that sideswipes you.
- A loss you did not see coming.
When the day, the week, or the year we planned suddenly changes, we realize how little control we actually have over our lives. We might even feel frustrated, anxious, or fearful.
We forget we can trust the Sovereign God who rules over every situation. We can rest securely in God’s great love for us, knowing He has the power to redeem every unexpected circumstance. In His perfect faithfulness and wisdom, God makes all things serve His plan.
When God allows a change in our plans, we have a choice:
We can cling to the way we wanted things to be or we can surrender and trust God to work all things for our good.
On the rainy day of my daughter’s party, it would have been ridiculous to cling to my plans of hula dancing on the back porch. I had to adapt to the new situation. (And we still ended up having fun.)
Similarly, when God changes our plans, surrendering to a new normal helps us align our hearts to His. We can choose to trust His sovereign control.
Surrender is our only choice, but how to do it with grace?
Remembering 3 truths helps us surrender our plans to God:
1. God establishes our steps.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
Even when things don’t turn out like we expected, we can rest in the fact that God is the one who orders our lives. Whether we’re trying to deal with an inconvenience or recover after a major life change, we can trust God will establish our steps.
Let’s pray: “Lord, establish my steps.”
2. Our lives belong to the Lord.
“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)
It’s good to remember our lives belong to our wise and faithful Creator who is working out His design for us. No matter what situation we are living, let’s make it our goal to live for Jesus.
Let’s pray: “Lord, my life belongs to you.”
3. God will complete His purpose for us.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
When hard circumstances force us down paths we never wanted to take, we can trust God will use our circumstances to shape us into the people He has called us to be. He makes everything work to fulfill His purpose; nothing can thwart God’s plan for us.
We grow an attitude of surrender when we pray: “Lord, complete your purpose for me.”
When our day, our week, or our year doesn’t go like we planned, our Lord bends down to hold our hand and lead us forward. We can be confident that God is carrying out His perfect design for our lives.
Now it’s your turn: How do you react when something you can’t control changes your plans? Do you find it easy to surrender or do you tend to get frustrated?
Perfect timing. Thank you so much for this message. The biggest challenge for me this year has been the sheer number of things that have changed. Lately, my prayer has been two words, “Really God?” But by God’s grace, he understands my frustration and helps me put one foot in front of the other each day.
Oh Cindy, I think I understand that challenge of so many things changing. That has been the case for me as well. Let’s keep putting one foot in front of the other!
It’s very hard to accept a new normal when life is drastically altered. We have been through the shootings in Sutherland Springs and live with the loss of friends, feelings of safety and life long injuries. Add in the pandemic and distancing from family we saw weekly and it’s a lot…I basically retreated. I am slowly trying to give myself back to God bit by bit. My faith has been there, but my fears of what his plan is overwhelm me.
I’m so sorry about all the challenges you have been facing. May the Lord quiet your fears day by day. I appreciate your sharing here.
Thank you for sharing you article “How to Surrender When GOD changes your plan”. I continue to search for understanding after experiencing 3 major losses in my life all within 6 months of this same Pandemic year of 2020 . I lost my son suddenly in March, my husband divorced me in July and my mom passed in September. I have been forced to realize I don’t control anything and that life does not always go as planned. I feel that I’m hurt though also because I had already surrendered my heart to GOD and then the worse storms probably of anyone’s life came and did massive destruction in my life that has left deep sorrow. I find myself seeking answers and understanding from GOD but still don’t understand. I still love GOD and am asking him daily to give me strength, healing and joy. I desire GOD to personally minister to me to bring me some peace. Please keep me in your prayers. GOD bless you.
Sharon, I am so sorry for all the loss you have encountered this year. That is heart-breaking. I am praying for you now, that the Lord would surround you with His presence and fill your soul with His deep love for you. Recovery will be a long road, but Jesus will walk it with you.
Dear Sharon, you have been on my heart since I read your comment yesterday. I will remember you in prayer, and I’m sending you virtual hugs. Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I also find comfort in Deuteronomy 33:27a “The eternal God is YOUR REFUGE, and HIS EVERLASTING ARMS ARE UNDER YOU.” He is holding you, dear Sharon. In Christian love, Jenny