I spent Friday packing the suitcase in anticipation of our upcoming trip to the mountains. I knew my paths and plans. Oklahoma felt stifling hot in July, so I looked forward to some cooler temps. My husband mapped out a route that kept us off freeways as much as possible. I assumed everything was good to go as I sat back and waited. Monday morning could not get here fast enough for me.
Psalm 18:33 “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.”
Later that evening, I received a text from my cousin. My aunt suffered a massive stroke, and the doctor did not have much hope for her recovery. We prayed and waited. The reports from the doctors only got worse. I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to go north. By Saturday morning, we decided to head to Toronto to help in any way possible. Our leisurely drive to the mountains became a race to change our original reservations. Bill scrambled to find the fastest route. As we prepared to leave, I heard from my cousin that my aunt passed away.
Life can change in an instance and often does so. We make our plans for today, tomorrow and beyond without the benefit of knowing what will happen in the next minute. My aunt planned her usual weekend with family, and now we prepared to bury her. My cousin was wheelchair-bound because of a recent injury, so we helped with many tasks he could not perform. God put us where we needed to be at the time. I praised the Lord for redirecting my steps.
Psalm 37:23 ” The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him”
What do you do when your intentions go awry? Do you experience anger for not being able to control the future, or do you praise God for His perfect plans? I am learning to count my blessings still, even in these circumstances. God knew our help would be needed. My blessings came after we left Toronto with breath-taking vistas and a hiking trail with a stunning waterfall. I used my photos from the trip in this post.
God continued to be faithful even when I grumbled. I looked forward to the cooler weather in the mountains. God gave me cool weather in Canada. God knew I wanted to see the mountains and wildlife. The Lord showed me a path home through Maine and Vermont to fill my heart with the things I loved. His faithfulness and mercy are never-ending.
[bctt tweet=”I am learning to praise the Lord when He redirects my path.”]
Jesus is the rock to which I cling when turmoil throws me off the path. A rock in a swirling river can redirect the water but still remains unmovable. All God wants in return is for me to remain anchored in Him always. Believing in the face of the unknown can be difficult for me, but this trip helped me to trust His purpose and it taught me to see how His plans are the best.
Blessings,
Yvonne – #blogger, #speaker, and #author
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
100% of the proceeds from sales of my book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, go to help the orphans at Orphan Relief Effort, Inc
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Clinging to God when He changes my path. His way is best. So sorry for your loss.
Thanks and amen. God bless
“Jesus is the rock to which I cling when turmoil throws me off the path. A rock in a swirling river can redirect the water but still remains unmovable. All God wants in return is for me to remain anchored in Him always.”
What a beautiful picture of Christ.
So glad you could help your cousin during such a low point in his life. Wonderful ministry there.
Thanks and God bless!
Thanks Nancy. God has wonderful plans for all of us. God bless
Beautiful, Yvonne. I’m so sorry your aunt passed away. But how wonderful the Lord blessed your return trip home…giving you a 100 fold back because of your giving to your family. Amazing how He blessed you with more than you originally hoped for in a trip to the mountains. I pray to learn to praise the Lord when He redirects my path, too!
So very true Karen, He does give back what is lost when we freely follow. Thanks and God bless
“All God wants in return is for me to remain anchored in Him always. Believing in the face of the unknown can be difficult for me.” This seems to be a life lesson, doesn’t it! We continually learn this one over and over again, and the process seems to intensify the older we become. I feel like the honing is an essential part of our aging and growth in wisdom as we lose so many things we’ve often taken for granted, like our health and our independence. So sorry for the loss of your dear aunt, but thankful for God’s blessings to you along the way.
Thanks Melinda. I agree with the honing as we age, and I must keep reminding myself of that fact. We never stop growing and learning. God bless
It can feel so dizzying when our path changes. God is our stronghold in the chaos, directing our steps when nothing is clear. Love your article!
Thanks Jessica. It can be so unsettling but so worth it when looking back. God bless
Yvonne, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s beautiful the way God opened up your time so you and your hubby could go be with your cousin and help him. Sometimes, in the redirecting, God has already gone before us and arranged the details so we are free to make the changes, if that makes sense. Your visual of the unoving rock and the water swirling around it really resonated with me.
Thanks Jeanne. I appreciate it. I love imagining God as my rock. God bless
If I’m too busy for God’s interruptions, then I’m too busy!
You are very correct. Thanks Ava and God bless
Thank you for this post. Things can happen and change our plans in an instant. I have had this experience quite a bit recently. It is good to be reminded that God does not change…He is unmovable. There is so much comfort in that.
Thanks and amen. God bless
Dear Yvonne, my heart goes out to you and your family as the loss of your aunt. Thank you for sharing your story as it has so many rich spiritual lessons. This is something I am learning and re-learning. God’s way is best, so may I rest in His goodness, even when I don’t understand. And may I enjoy the beautiful vistas along the way, as you did. God bless you, dear sister! Much love to you and yours.
Awww thanks dear Melissa. God certainly does make life into an unexpected adventure and I am still learning to appreciate it even when I don’t understand. Love you my friend and God bless.