The Best Laid Plans

Lately, my life has been consumed by constant thoughts of my upcoming fall wedding. More and more, the monumental date has seemed more like a ticking bomb rather than one of the biggest blessings God has given me. My childhood dreams are coming true and one of the most kind-hearted, loving and Godly men is vowing his love and pledging faithfulness to me for the rest of his life and yet every happy thought of my wedding has become clouded with worry and anxiety. Plans are falling through left and right and I’m attempting to adjust the delicate vision I weaved in childhood to fit within the constraints of budget and timing and all of the intricacies that come along with planning such a big event. It’s been difficult to continue on planning with a heart of thankfulness; I can’t help but feel a bit down as a cloud of disappointment builds with every change of plans. 
Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a planner. I believe God designed my type-A personality and analytical brain as a blessing, though it's challenging to feel that way when continual shifts in well-laid plans stir such deep negative emotions and thoughts within me. I recognize that I am not alone in grappling with anxiety and sadness when things don’t go according to plan.

Life often throws us unexpected curves—plans change, dreams evolve, and uncertainties abound. For many of us, these shifts can trigger anxiety and even lead to bouts of depression. As Christians, however, we are called to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and His greater plans for our lives. It’s much easier to write or read that statement than to live according to the truth of it though. Embracing God’s sovereignty, surrendering our plans and finding peace in uncertainty while resting on God’s promises is not such a simple task. 
After much reflection, I believe that the start is recognizing that our God is sovereign, a realization that can bring immense comfort regardless of the situation you face. Colossians 1:16-17 reminds us, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before ALL things, and in Him all things hold together.” 
Despite our best-laid plans, God sees the bigger picture and orchestrates all things according to His perfect will. This doesn’t mean that life will be free of difficulties, but it assures us that God is in control. We may think we see the whole picture, but God has every piece of the puzzle of life and we only have one. Trust in His sovereignty and His design. 
Recognizing God’s sovereignty makes it easier to ultimately surrender our plans. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” It takes humility and trust, but surrendering our plans to Him and acknowledging that His ways are higher and His timing is perfect is the only way to bring true peace in our uncertainty. In times of uncertainty, it’s important that we center our thoughts on what we know of our sovereign Lord and rest on the promises He has made us. Even when our plans crumble, God’s plans for us are rooted in love and purpose. 

​“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

 - Jeremiah 29:11

“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.

- Psalm 33:11

As you lay your plans and struggle when they change, it’s my hope that you will practice finding peace and even joy in the challenges and ambiguity. For anyone, this is a difficult thing to do. We have 65 days till the wedding. It’s my goal to spend every single one of those days thanking the Lord for my many blessings and looking forward to living out His great plan even when it upsets my own. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca took over as the editor of 
Fellowship Focus in 2023 and has enjoyed growing into the role and getting to know members of our churches across the US and Canada. She lives in Cheyenne WY with her two cats and is frequently found at her pottery wheel or tucked into the corner with a good book. ​