No “Plan B”

Anyone who has ever planned an event, (a wedding, birthday party, etc.), knows that it is imperative to have a “plan B”.  The only time a “plan B” is activated is when a “plan A” fails.  So having a “plan B” is thought of as good planning skills; however, this way of thinking has no place when it comes to God’s instructions.  When God gives us a vision or instructions to do something, it is in our best interest to obey.  So the question arises, Why wouldn’t we? God knows what is best, so it should be easy to obey, right?  Though this statement sounds great, it is not at all correct.  Usually when God instructs us do something, it is immediately met with resistance.  From experience, I have learned the resistance normally comes from two places: the enemy and/or ourself.  So when God gives us His plan (Plan A) we must follow through with His plan no matter what it looks likes or even if our plan (plan B) makes more sense. Why you ask?  Take this example from the book of Acts:

Acts 27: 30-32, “Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will al die unless the sailors stay aboard.” So the solders cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.”

A little background: Paul was on his way to Rome to stand before Caesar.  Against the warnings of Paul, the captain and the ship set sail for Rome.  While out at sea, a violent storm overtook the ship.  The solider’s biggest fear was running aground on a sandbar and the ship be destroyed, thus everyone perishing.  But, angel of the Lord appeared to Paul, ans stated that Paul would stand before Caesar and all the people on ship would live.

Here we pick up the story. The storm is violently pounding the ship and ship is falling apart.  So the soldier’s, in the midst of the storm, believe it is time to jump ship. They begin to prep the lifeboat, a perfectly safe vessel.  In fact, a lifeboat’s purpose is to be used when the main ship is sinking or is deemed unsafe.  So their plan seemed to be logical, but then Paul spoke, saying, “If you leave this ship you will die” or “Stay in the boat!”.  This time, they listened to Paul and cut the lifeboat lose and watched their “Plan B” float away.  After this the ship does run aground; however, every person on that ship lived.

We can parallel this story with our life.  We listen to God and obey Him and the next thing we know we find ourselves being tossed by the storms of life.  So, we panic and fear of death now creeps into our thinking.  We begin to reason with-in ourselves, saying, “I must have missed God’s voice. What do I do now?”  and we begin looking for the lifeboat.  It is extremely sad, the way we throw God’s instructions aside at the first moment of opposition.  This is where we should be praying, “God get me through this.” not “God get me out of this”.  Both prayers will get you out of the storm; however, the first statement will bring you out with more strength, discipline, and character.

My encouragement to you is to say “No” to “plan B” (your plan) and stick to God’s Plan (plan A), no matter what it may look like right now. When you are might by opposition, hang-on because opposition is a direct indicator for potential. In the end, not only will your life be impacted but so will the lives of others around you.

Galatians 6:9, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

BWT

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