With fall approaching, I made plans to have brunch with friends at Carol’s Café on the outdoor deck that overlooks the lake. Brunch al fresco is one of those best of summer activities we try to squeeze in one more time before a layer of frost covers the ground and then snow. Soon Carol’s will close for the winter.

But an overlooked commitment on her schedule prompted one friend to cancel and then a sore mouth from a dental procedure resulted in the second cancelation.

Therefore, instead of dining on a deck I found myself seated at my desk writing, reminded once again of Proverbs 16:9.

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

I often complain about not having enough time to write but I do not block it on my calendar as I do breakfast with friends, an appointment to get my hair cut, or completing lessons for my Bible study class. Quickly I realized God was gifting me with the opportunity to write.

It is not the first time I have noted this Bible verse in play. As a new Christian I was made aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit during a change in plans. I had registered for a creative writing class at a university, charging the expense on a credit card. My decision process was covered in prayer but I felt no direction. A few days before the class was scheduled to start, I received a call from the registrar. She told me not enough students enrolled so the course was canceled. Immediately the Holy Spirit confirmed in my heart that God had indeed heard my prayer and was directing me.

Many times, the Holy Spirit has made me aware of God’s faithful oversight.

Before a scheduled biopsy I went to a lab for a blood draw required prior to the procedure. When it was completed, I planned to leave but seeing a restroom I asked if I might use it. “Of course,” the technician replied so I darted in hoping to get out to the parking lot as quickly as possible for I had a few shopping stops to complete before returning home. When I exited the restroom the lab tech told me she had missed one of the blood draws. I knew God had sent me to the restroom to ensure my labs were complete.

We receive direction in many ways.

–God’s Word.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

–Trusting the LORD and seeking Him

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding: In All your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6  

–Through prayer

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT

But it is reassuring to know that God has our back. That even when we think we have sketched a good map with His guidance, life may not go as planned. But God is for us. He’s in the micro moments of life, step by step.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Photo by Rihaij on Pixabay

Let’s Talk:

1-When have you suddenly had your plans change? In retrospect, how did the change reveal God’s oversight?

2-Do you cover all decisions and plans in prayer or just the “big ones?” Why might it be wise to acknowledge God in both the big and the small plans we make–the macro and the micro?