Well, I was supposed to have been gone all last week. I was headed to Haiti to teach in a newly formed Haitian Pastor’s School.

Hurricane Matthew changed my plans. I had been planning this trip since June. I was packed, and even traveled to south Florida to catch a plane before the decision was made to postpone the trip.

An old Yiddish proverb says, “Man plans, God laughs.” Solomon says it even better in two places. Proverbs 16:9 reads, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” And then in Proverbs 19:21 we read, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Indeed, I had made many and detailed plans for the trip. I had made plane reservations, along with hotel reservations for the night before the flight. I had someone to pick me up at the airport in Port au Prince, and a place to stay in Leogane. I had all of my lesson plans written, along with sermon notes in case I was asked to preach. I had big plans.

And then … everything had to be postponed. We hope to reschedule, but that remains up in the air. I have to admit this to you. I was deeply disappointed at not being able to go. I was excited about this trip. I had met the 11 pastors who were taking the class. My cousin, Keith, a pastor in Lincolnton, was going to teach alongside me. Everything was ready. And then…

What can I learn from such an experience? I am again reminded that God remains in control, and that I need to trust in him. Every time I try to depend on my own abilities I fail. Now, keep this sin mind. I was not planning anything sinful. This was a mission trip! I was seeking to obey the Lord. But he had other plans. And it is incumbent upon me to trust him and obey him.

I don’t know what you are planning, but I do know this. God’s plans for you are better than your own. If you will follow Him it will be better for you. That takes faith. But it is always true. Trust him. Follow him. That is your way to real life.