The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Our plans or God’s direction, what matters most? We planned our vacation in detail, making reservations in RV parks all across the country toward our destination and back. Friends and family along the way waited for our visit. But something nagged at me, saying perhaps we shouldn’t take this trip. Without basis, we continued to pray heading north to visit our daughter, then east into Kansas.
Our Plans Interrupted
Ominous weather reports began to predict a hurricane headed for Florida. We arranged another night in Kansas City, hoping to wait until the rain passed. By then, the storm was forecasted to send torrential rains as far north as southern Illinois. Two days before we were to be in Nashville, a friend in North Carolina texted me with the rain amounts predicted for her area. It was time to make a decision. We turned off the weather station, prayed, and both said at the same time, “We have to cancel.” My life verse says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
Our plans that had taken weeks to solidify were canceled in a couple of hours. A 7 ½ week vacation cut short. You
don’t head into a hurricane towing a fifth-wheel trailer. The nagging sensation that had been with me in the planning was replaced by peace. A friend in Knoxville texted to say we might want to reconsider, and we relayed our change of plans. Our friends in Jacksonville laughed and said if we had sat it out, we could have continued without problems. However, our plans weren’t important. Our safety was.
God’s Direction Clarified
News reports riveted our attention, showing stretches of I-40 washed away, the road we planned to travel. Friends on Facebook posted photos of the horrendous aftermath of Helene. We might have been there. We knew people who were there, struggling without water and power while we watched from the safety of an RV park in Colorado.
Our lengthy trip full of new places to explore and loved ones to visit turned into a much shorter trip filled with long walks, beautiful views, peace and quiet, rest. Rather than the trip we wanted, God gave us what we needed. God’s direction was clear. He had protected us.
We have a God who goes before us and shows us what we are to do, if we will listen. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Then the night before we had been scheduled to reach Jacksonville, Milton hit. Our friends who live there emailed and said, “Wise decision to not come this way this year.” Modern technology, the ability to see hurricanes coming and project their path is relatively new. However, a sense of warning when we pray and insights from God’s word are as old as creation. Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been forever changed by these storms.
Our Plans Redirected
Leftover vacation money can be donated to relief funds, but the lasting effect for us is renewed assurance of God’s hand of protection on our lives. Sometimes God carries us through the storms and brings us out safely on the other side. Sometimes He leads us through loss with the reassurance that He knows our pain. At other times, He causes us to turn around and avoid trouble altogether. Always. our God rules the wind and waves. He is our helper, our guide, and our Hope.
We can plan another vacation. Perhaps next time, it will be with God’s will for us to complete it. Even more than before, we know that when we pray God answers. When we seek His will, God is faithful to show us. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1-2)
Whatever decision awaits your call, seek God’s guidance and direction. He will lead you.
“Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 8:41
A 3-4 mile stretch of I-40 between Tennessee and North Carolina got washed away by the raging river flowing beside the interstate. You made the right decision. The residents going through the difficult aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t need tourists hindering relief efforts.
He is our helper, our guide, and our hope. Amen!
I’m glad you listened to the still small voice. The storm was horrible, and God kept you safe!