Plans

Well our Colorado adventure is coming to an end. And the beauty of the mountains and God’s high country, though left behind, will remain tucked in our hearts til next time. We miss our family and friends and its time to head back as kids and grands will be making memories  and we don’t want to miss out.  

This summer was again a reminder to me that though we make our plans, it is God who ultimately either allows them to move forward, closes the door on them or makes adjustments to fulfill the  plans that he has made for our good.God goes before us and though some things may come as a surprise to us there is never anything that is a surprise to God.

We were playing  Pickle Ball in February and I fell hard on my shoulder as I was going for what was an excellent dinker shot by my husband.  We were playing doubles; girls against guys and I really wanted that point, but instead... it was game over.  For several months I tried to work through the shoulder issue but finally caved and scheduled surgery in June in Houston only to have it cancelled by the hospital the day before  Frustrated and disappointed,, I  knew we were headed to Colorado a few weeks later and I thought I will just get a second opinion when I there.

As God would have it,  when we first arrived and were having dinner, my husband mentioned to our friend Bill that I was looking for a doctor who could give me a second opinion on a rotator cuff injury. 

 He said he knew a great doctor who  had just done that same surgery on him and he was outstanding and well respected in his field of shoulder and knees. He offered to call and connect me.and he did and within days I had an appointment .  I not only trusted Bills referral  and reference but I trusted him. The doctor, William Sterrit was warm and gracious and very careful to explain the images on the MRI that I had brought from Houston and the damage that had been done and what was required to fix it. He confirmed that the damage would  not heal itself. ... and surgery was required.   ,

So that very day I scheduled surgery for the following week. This was not my plan , it was God’s  It was a blessing that I could not have imagined and far exceeded not only my expectations but also my husbands.  It was  clearly God who orchestrated  the whole process and who also gave me the courage to step out in new territory not knowing what the outcome would be. The convenience (10 minutes away) and the easy going, attentive  approach of all the staff who were involved was amazing.

But I must add that I couild not have pulled this off without the support and encouragement of my wonderful husband.  This was clearly not the plan when we headed to Colorad, but I think he too was ready to get this addressed and we both agreed...why not here? Talking about a good sport and a servants heart.He was game from the  start (even though the outdoor activities that we had originally planned were now to be detained). He was gracious at every turn, and took over all the chores that a one hander could not pull off.   God knew how this was all gonna work out and what a blessing it would be and has been.

But I tell you this story because it was such a true and vivid picture of how God works through our hurts, disappointments, needs, his resources, and also adjusting my attitude.  And even more importantly .....how he goes before us...and prepares a way.  And it is his way...not ours.  

Proverbs 16:9 A person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

God has a plan that we cannot see or imagine for anything that comes before us.  

We don’t know how God will activate his plan or adjust our plans but we have to trust that he will. do whatever he does for our good and His glory. If today you are struggling with tough times or a decision that seems to be way out of your wheel house, God will get you through it.  It might seem like it is taking forever, or guiding you to a rod that is not one that you might choose, nut hang in there and trust him. God has each of us just where he wants us and he offers his strength, wisdom and foresight to us and will give us what we need when we need it.  When we finally get to the other side of whatever trial that has come upon us, it is then that we can use that victory to encourage others who are in need of a friend or some support.  

One of my darling physical therapists said  “this is a long game”, you have to be patient and first of all let me do the lifting and moving of your arm and shoulder and after few weeks you will be able to begin to strengthen these muscles but will still need help. 

 Isn’t that the way God is… sometimes it is a long game before the healing takes place and for a while when things are sort of frozen and your heart is stuck, we need to let God do our heavy heart lifting. Soon with trust and faith he will enable us to begin to find strength in our journey and begin again to have a confidence in who we are in HIM and what he can do through us!

God does go before us…he knows the way to get us to where he has planned for us to go. Healing takes time, it takes patience, it takes faith but it also is about following the best advice from those who know best how to move forward from one phase to the next without rushing the process. God is never in a hurry. Sometimes I know I tend to be anxious and forget that.  Keep God as you guide. Listen carefully and closely to His whispers he sends to your heart and be encouraged knowing God knows the way to heal your pain.  

And it may be quite different from something you initially plan.  

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Blessings to you.    

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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