Acts 27:13-14 NLT
'When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. But the weather changed abruptly...and blew us out to sea.'
Robert Burns the poet gave us the well-worn phrase: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” No matter how carefully and responsibly we prepare, our lives remain dependent upon the grace of God. Historically, my initial reaction when my plans went awry was to react with frustration, often anger.
Experience has taught me that it is best to pause and reflect. Action taken in reaction usually makes the situation worse. I want to navigate successfully through my changing circumstances. One thing is certain, God’s word and his promises are always more reliable than my assumed expectation.

When my business venture went down last year, my initial reaction was anger, with an attempt to salvage what I could. I was blindsided. But then I chose to pause and reflect. I accepted that my life was hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3) and that eventually everything works together for good and for God (Romans 8:28).
I prayed and recognised by God’s grace that in fact I had entered into my business venture with a measure of anxiety about securing my financial welfare, even as I knew I was called to the life of a contemplative. I discerned that in fact I needed to ask God’s forgiveness for what had been a decision of disobedience on my part. I knew what I was called to, and must entrust my personal welfare to God. I found God’s grace and welcome again. My inner storms subsided and I recovered my primary calling. I also discovered so much more about the character of that calling, the contemplative life, because of the unexpected turmoil I’d passed through. It was a time of maturing, no random error.
QUESTION: When things go awry, do you panic and try to wrest control back or pause, reflect and seek to discern God’s purpose in the chaos?
PRAYER: Give me discernment to see your plans and purposes and faith to trust you when my plans go wrong and I am confused by the chaos.

Released on 30 Apr 2020