“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” - Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV) You often hear people say that everyone’s journey is different, so let me introduce you to someone you might not know—Bethany. And one you may already be familiar with—Joseph from the Bible. When plans change? In 2003, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was surfing in Hawaii and got attacked by a shark. She …
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
- Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)
You often hear people say that everyone’s journey is different, so let me introduce you to someone you might not know—Bethany. And one you may already be familiar with—Joseph from the Bible.
When plans change?
In 2003, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton was surfing in Hawaii and got attacked by a shark. She was a rising star in competitive surfing, winning multiple national surfing championship competitions. She had dreams of becoming a Professional World Champion Surfer. As a result of the shark attack, she lost her left arm and everyone including Bethany thought that was the end of her surfing aspirations.
But God had bigger plans for her, and even as she struggled to get back to shore, she kept repeating to herself, “I am in God’s hands”. She returned to surfing, and has published inspirational books that have touched the hearts of millions, especially young girls. The shark took something from her body, but nothing from God’s plans for her life.
Purpose Survives the Plan That Died!
Joseph like Bethany also had a plan but when God interrupted his plan, Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that you make your plans, but God directs your actions (GNT).
In Matthew 1:24-25, Joseph rose from sleep, did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took Mary into his home as his wife. Joseph and Bethany’s stories remind us that when our plans go in a different direction than we imagined, we can find peace and comfort in knowing that God’s purpose for our lives is ALWAYS bigger than our plans (Romans 8:28)
Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good – Phillips version).
God’s purpose survives broken plans, turning unexpected twists into redemptive outcomes.
Our plans may be many, but it is The Lord’s plans and purpose that stands (Proverbs 19:21, Jeremiah 29:11). Bethany never planned for a shark attack, Joseph never planned to marry a girl who was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
You also probably never planned for half of what you experienced last year.
As the new year continues to unfold, instead of asking what do I want to do or accomplish in the new year, let us ask “Lord what are You doing in the new year, and how can I say yes to it, even if it will change my script?”
Song:
With my Saviour Ever Near To Guide Me,
I am safe, whatever may betide me;
From the storm and tempest He will hide me.
In the hollow of His hands.
Chorus
In the hollow of His hand!
In the Hollow of His Hand.
By [K. L. McSpadden and L. J. Staton]
Prayer – Lord, as I stand between Christmas and a new year, I bring You my plans. Thank You for Joseph’s story. When life bites hard and when news breaks my heart, let my roots be in You, not in my perfect plans. Rewrite what You need to rewrite. Interrupt what You need to interrupt. Let Your counsel stand in my life, in my family, and in this coming year. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Leviticus 26-27; Mark 2
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