Delayed Plans Provide Time to Review and Renew Trust in God.

They say, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Job interviews and hiring decision get pushed back. Home improvements and business projects run into unexpected delays. An illness or accident can force plans to be put on hold. All of us have experienced plans going awry in some way. While disappointing, these delays can provide an important opportunity to review plans and, if necessary, reset.

My plans to have my stent removed Thursday went awry with my Covid diagnosis Wednesday morning. The procedure has been rescheduled for November 30th. Since Wednesday, I’ve been home where I’ll remain quarantined through Sunday. Fortunately, the symptoms have not been severe. It’s been more like a bad cold: lots of sneezing, congestion, coughing, and body aches. The worst part's the disappointment.

I feel much better today and hope to be back to normal by Monday. Despite my relatively quick recovery, my wait to have this stent removed will be rather long. My plans to recover some normalcies have been pushed back and delayed again.

Don’t feel too sorry for me. I’ve just finished my third Cappuccino of the day. These Italian espresso beans are delizioso! For breakfast I had pancakes with butter and maple syrup. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to many things currently off limits. Pray with me for an early date for the procedure to become available.

The Holy Spirit has reminded me of two Bible verse this morning. The first is from Proverbs.

“Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed (Proverbs 16:3, TPT).

This verse challenges and encourages me greatly. There’s not much, if anything, I can do to make this procedure happen sooner. I can call the doctor’s office and insist on an earlier date. I can complain, but I’m just one of thousands of squeaky wheels. I can break down and cry on the phone. The schedulers and nurses and doctors will try their best but can’t create time and space that doesn’t exist. Only one can do that: the God of creation, the One who parts the sea, and raises the dead to life.

Naturally, or rather supernaturally, my best and only good option, is to put my total trust in God. Jesus is with me, loves me, knows me inside and out, and will do his best for me. Sometimes that involves waiting. It always includes his daily provision. This faith enables me to press on unabated.

The second Bible verse the Holy Spirit reminded me of is Jeremiah 29:11. This is a favorite of many for good reason.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In any context, whatever you are facing, this verse speaks essential truth. God has a plan, many plans, for you. He knows you, believes in you, and created you for a divine purpose. His plans are good – not bad – and designed to prosper you, to bless you with love, joy, hope, and all the goodness of God. His plans are hopeful; they encourage, inspire, and help you believe and press on. His plans are for the present and for your future. He’s been with you since you were in your mother’s womb and will be with you now and forever.

Amen!

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To hear more messages like this, please visit my blog at www.davidgira.com and check out my book, How Cancer Cured Me. If you'd like an author's copy, let me know.

“Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey, a collection of 365 Daily devotionals” will launch January 1, 2024 as a daily text or email anyone can sign up to receive and a searchable online collection of all 365 devotions.

A selection of devotionals and more information can be found here. I have received several copies of a sample booklet that includes one devotional from each author. If you’d like one, let me know, and I'll send you one.