When God's plan A is my plan B [or plan Never]

Dave and I have been talking about where we are and how we envisioned life differently than what it actually is. At times, it is overwhelming and discouraging.

Please don't misunderstand me – we have so much to be thankful for, but there's still a level of disappointment to work through. It's in that disappointment that we have to accept this different route. We have been rerouted and we don’t even know what those directions look like nor the destination.

This got me thinking about what my response is when God's plan A is my plan B (or plan Never).

I know many people in situations they didn't plan for that have brought difficult challenges and heartache. Dear friends that have lost babies. Family members with special needs children. Loved ones with debilitating diseases. So much unplanned suffering.

As heavy as that weighs upon my heart, I cannot negate the fact that along with those times of suffering, comes a deeper experience of God’s love and a greater dependence on Him. 

How else can I know the warmth of God’s comfort unless I feel sorrow? How else can I know the power of God’s strength unless I am weak? How else can I know the firmness of God’s foundation unless mine is shaken?

In my darkest of times, I have found God to be closest to me. In my deepest despair, I have found God’s hand holding me. God uses these times to draw me into Him where I find true rest and peace.

So, what is my response when God’s plan A is not mine? Here’s my honest answer:

1.       Say it’s all going to work out.

2.       When I can’t see how it’s working out, have a pity party.

3.       Cry some more.

4.       Feel very lost.

5.       Begin to turn my heart and mind to God to gain His perspective.

6.       Feel trust and faith build as I sense He’s in control.

7.       Rest in knowing it’s already taken care of so I just keep walking where I can see He’s leading me.

8.       Probably repeat 1-7 a few times until it sinks DEEP into my core.

9.       When I’ve come through the other side – celebrate and share my experience to help someone else.

I realize this process is different for everyone, but I think the key is not getting stuck in the early steps for too long. I keep moving towards God, even if that means I have to go around the block a few extra times to get that He’s for me not against me.

Our plan A was to have biological children. Our plan A was for me to not have a hysterectomy. Against our very will and prayers, that has not happened. What does that mean? God has another, better plan A that will blow ours away and fulfill God’s purpose. And, that’s what we want – completely – God’s plan and purpose in EVERY area of our lives even if it hurts right now.

Holding Patterns

As of late, I feel as though a portion of my life is in a holding pattern. That got me thinking about aviation and the purpose of holding patterns. So I decided to do a little research and after visiting a few resources, here’s what I found out.

“Although a holding pattern is a fairly easy maneuver compared to other tasks in instrument flying, it is a source of confusion and apprehension to many instrument trainees and novice instrument pilots. A better understanding of holding patterns can help eliminate many of the psychological barriers. A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver designed to keep an aircraft within a specified airspace. Holding pattern procedures are designated to absorb any flight delays that may occur along an airway, during terminal arrival and on missed approach.”

What does that mean? Being in a holding pattern is an easy task to achieve but not to sustain. One of the few purposes for a plane being in a holding pattern is because of delays and any unforeseen glitches. I found it interesting that trainees and novice instrument pilots endured confusion and apprehension during this procedure. I can relate to that! When I am working towards a goal and I’m certain I’m on the right route, it’s confusing and frustrating to run into obstacles and/or delays.

“The holding pattern is the most important maneuver a pilot can learn. Pilots must be able to fly it at any time, regardless of weather conditions. Air traffic control personnel are the only ones who can call a hold.”

This is a powerful definition!! The holding pattern is the most important maneuver AND only the air traffic control personnel can call a hold. What a relief. To draw an analogy, if I am in submission to the air traffic control personnel (God) then I must learn to become an expert in holding patterns knowing only He can place me there. No matter how I feel, it’s Him who’s calling the shots – not my boss, not my pocketbook and not the stinking obstacle.

"Holding pattern" means when a plane must be cleared for landing, or has been cleared to land at some defined future time, and must fly circles around the airport until they can land.”

In other words, the landing IS going to happen but it’s not the right time because it’s not clear yet. When I’m flying in circles with my life, it’s because my landing isn’t safe and if I continue to hold, He’ll clear the landing for me.

“Pilots hate to hold. They do, trust me. Pilots are members of the ultimate goal-orientated profession. Their job is to get from point A to point B, and as fast a possible, if you please. Ever watch some pilot’s taxi? Many carry more power than necessary and have to use the brakes just to keep slowing down. Impatient, that's what we are. And, once we get up into our element we really hate to "park it in the sky" and hold. It just goes against our grain.”

Oh how true this is. I know where I’m headed so why can’t I just go?! I’ve come to the conclusion that the Lord has us in holding patterns at times in order to fine-tune our skills, better acquaint us with our “instruments” and “land” us when it’s clear to do so. So, I’ll hold my form, and when it’s time, He’ll give me the go-ahead to move on. **Until then, I'll be ready to flip the switch for my landing gear.** :-)

http://pilotsweb.com/train/pattern.htm

http://en.mimi.hu/aviation/holding_pattern.html

http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=1043474

http://stoenworks.com/Hold%20it.html