Prayer for those whose plans have been derailed by life
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
“Therefore, under the mighty hands of God, he can lift you up in time. Throw all your fears upon him, as he cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:6-7
Read or listen to the following:
I planned to get married soon after I left university, but my heart was broken. I was planning to celebrate my 27th birthday with my firstborn’s arrival, but I miscarried the angel baby. I was planning on taking a 10th anniversary in California and a 20th holiday in Italy, and they both died, but we haven’t done it halfway through the country yet. And my mother arranged for the most amazing family beach trip for my parents’ 50th anniversary, but my dad suddenly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage for two days. And there was a younger sister who had the intention to raise her husband and family, but he died of cancer when the boy was 10 and 12 years old.
And of course, there are all sorts of plans I’ve done at a much less surprise. I wanted to go to a ball game, but it was raining. To celebrate the New Year with her husband, however, the flu had pulled him away by midnight. I wanted to attend a performance at my daughter’s talent show, but bed rest was home with my twin baby sisters. And I was planning to go to church last Sunday, but I threw my back out again.
We plan, plan, plan. But sometimes life derails our plans. We spend our days, our lives dreaming of planning and praying as we pray. And while there are some, our greatest disappointment often comes from our greatest dreamy desires. Our plans are crushed.
And let me ask, how do you deal with such disappointment? How do you deal with hopes that don’t meet your expectations yet? I wonder why, like me, you’ve done so much to what you wanted in the first place. After that, we never place any hope that would appear to be “secular methods” again. If it just hurts and leads to heartache, what is hoped is being used at all? Or, on the flip side, you might become a better planner and make better, innocent plans for the future (as if it was something).
I have two ideas about that concept. First of all, I don’t think we should give up completely on our plans, hopes, and dreams. I have experienced much needed joys anticipating possibilities, opportunities and events that have never actually been realized for any reason. But secondly, I think we need to keep God in a rightful place in everything, as we are excitedly pondering everything. Understand that he is the person with our ultimate hope. That he controls the outcome. And no matter what happens, his plans lead to goodness. This is part of the ultimate, better plan. There is always hope for this. Yes, we can have hope in what we are planning, but we need to hold hope in God’s plan, that is, to raise our ultimate hope.
As for the times when life doesn’t go as planned, we need to remember 1 Peter 5:6, as this can guarantee that this will become a case for the rest of our days repeatedly. “Therefore, under God’s mighty hands, he can lift you up in time.” Remember, you and I are under God’s powerful hands and perfect timing. Everything we do, everything we plan, everything that happens to us. It’s all under his control. But he has good control. His unconditional care and love. As the next poem says – after telling us to cast all our anxiety on him, he cares about us.
Let us embrace hope, no matter where life takes us. Let us live our days with willing expectation of the good that God will continue to pour into our lives. Let us trust that God’s mighty and caring hand is working on his master, a good plan. Even now, through things you have not planned. Know that he will lift you up in time. Know that derailment may seem like a mere detour… a better plan than you can imagine.
Let’s pray:
Sovereign God, you are a good master of my life. You are always working, and you have such a good plan for me. I mercilessly plan my daily details, meticulously plan for my future, and know that life will disappoint and disappoint me when I derail my plans. But please help me not to ruin my plans or be disappointed by not going down my path. Instead, remind yourself that your way is better. Help me humble yourself with your plans. Please help me to take care of you. Help me maintain hope in the truth that you are good in the store, that you care deeply for me. This may be my hope. May you become my best hope. And I may you alone find my joy. Your mighty name, yes, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Alexawilliams
Keri Eichberger is a Kentucky girl who loves Jesus. She is married to her best friend Mike and has a full house with five children. After writing for years of online audiences, Keri was ordained through the Southeast Christian Church, bringing full-time ministry to life. She is the author who soars with those who conquered and overcome Win Over Forse: Conquer what You, and is passionate about sharing faith-filled encouragement through prayer writing. Connect with Keri on Keriechberger.com or on Instagram.
Pray through Psalm 15: Prayer to those who never shake up
Are you tired of being spiritually exhausted? You’ve come to the right place! Join us in the age of prayer, reflection and meditation. Put your day’s luggage behind you, refresh, update, and reconnect with God. Who is the one who never shakes you up? Explore poem sal 15 with today’s 10 minutes of devotion. If you like what you hear, you won’t miss an episode.
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