I’m a planner. I like to plan because I like to have something to look forward to, aim towards and have some control over my life. Looking back at my 26 years, I’ve realised my faith always seems to grow when my plans DON’T seem go to plan. These moments leave me very confused and disappointed, however EVERY TIME I choose to turn to God and seek His direction for my life, He always seems to bless me with something even BETTER than I had originally thought of.
On our last day in Ukraine, we were blessed with a full day to explore the city. I had already seen a lot of the sites in Kiev so I wanted to see something different. Plans were being organised, but nothing really fancied me, except for one group who was planning to visit a whole lot of awesome artsy areas and a church which I had already been to. I’m not someone who normally revisits areas, but because of WR’s buddy policy, I decided to join this group, knowing that I will at least be able to see something that I’ve never seen before.
I lead the group to St Andrew’s church and enjoyed seeing their amazed faces. A few of us saw an amazing skyline view of the city from the church and then we walked through some local markets. I was ready to see the artsy areas next but the group was hungry so we went to have lunch. During lunch, some of the girls were talking about joining two of our boys who were busking in an underground subway. I wanted to see the sculpture alley but knowing I couldn’t go off on my own, I disappointedly submitted to my group and went with them to see the boys.
When we arrived at the subway, we found the boys playing in a corner with a sign that said (in Russian), “Raising money to feed the Homeless.” The girls I was with, started to sing while the boys played. They sang commercial songs and worship songs IN A PUBLIC AREA and people STOPPED and watched and even GAVE money. I was shocked and amazed, and was even able to share with an onlooker about who we were and what the World Race was all about.
People from our squad joined in as time passed and it was an incredible experience. The hours I had planned to see the artsy areas were forgotten and my disappointment turned into joy as I stood by my peers to sing praises to God and raise money for people that God loves and cares about. When I got back to the hotel that day, God spoke to me through Proverbs 19:21 which said, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” So despite my disappointment that my plans did not take place, I praise God that I was able to be a part of His plan in Ukraine.
Coincidentally, this verse also prepared me to receive some unsettling news the following day. Our squad was notified that our route was going to change yet again! Sri Lanka, a country I had never been to was now going to be Nepal, a country that I had recently been to. I cried out in frustration but somehow, the verse I recalled the day before made me feel a sense of peace despite my brain telling me I should be disappointed. I believe God had prepared me for this day and even though I was disappointed, I trust God and His purpose for this trip, and any bets, it’ll be WAY better than what I could imagine or expect.
What do you do when your plans don’t match with what you had planned for your life? Do you get disappointed? Who do you turn to? I believe God has an amazing plan for your life and all He asks is for you to trust Him.
