January 16, 2017

Divine Interruptions

Verse for the Week: Proverbs 19:21 (ESV); Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

There’s no doubt about it, I’m definitely a planner, a goal-setter, and a task-ticker. If you are anything like me, you probably spend a lot of time making plans. And then making more plans.

However, our best-laid plans often go awry. Interruptions, detours, layovers, engine trouble, paralysis of analysis, you name it, interruptions happen and wreak all kinds of havoc on our plans.

Maybe you are facing the loss of a job or the loss of a loved one. A difficult child that doesn’t seem to care that their choices are breaking your heart. Caring for an ailing parent when you thought you’d finally have some free time to spend on yourself.

Whatever the interruption is, you can be sure it has a purpose.

Will it always feel like a good purpose at the time? Probably not.

Can you trust that even in the face of the gravest interruption your God is good and has a good purpose for you in it and through it? Most definitely, yes!

All we need to do is take a look at some high-profile examples from scripture—none of which felt good at the time, but the result was a blessing of great importance. The kind of blessing that is revealed after-the-fact.

Joshua, for example, lost his mentor and leader when Moses died. As crushing and scary as this was, it was because of this devastating loss that Joshua discovered he was the one God intended to use to lead the people of Israel into the promised land.

Another one is found in Mary’s story. She was minding her own business when she was stopped cold with a divine interruption that would change everything for all eternity.

I get it. It’s human nature to resist disruptions. We don’t like veering off track. It’s annoying. A royal hassle. Uncomfortable. Interruptions just flat-out make us crazy. We hate them and what they do to our plans.

And yet some of the most important moments of life happen as a result of these interruptions.

One thing we can count on is that God’s plans and purposes for us will always prevail even in the face of the most severe interruptions.

Next time an interruption tempts you to bail-out emotionally, react harshly, or turn your back on God, choose a different response and turn toward Him. Shift your perspective from the frustration and fear of the unknown, to the hope of His provision for your life.

He has something planned for you far beyond what you can see in the here and now. Rest assured, His good will and purposes for your life will prevail.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, when I am faced with interruptions, big and small, help me to focus my hope on you. Help me to trust your word so you can work in me and through me for your good purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:

Reflect on a time when God interrupted your life. What was your first reaction? Is it hard for you to trust God when this happens? What was the outcome? Find a verse that will help anchor your trust in preparation for the next divine interruption and decide now, how you will respond.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed and trust His purposes for your life WILL prevail.

Dori