Q: The world is in a time of transition. Not one person is unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I had plans before we got locked down and now I don't know what my life will look like. What should I do when things don't go as planned?
A: Yes, I agree that the virus has altered many of our plans for the future. You are not alone during this time. My short term plans or goals have been affected as well.
Our plans should never be cemented in stone. Sooner or later, we will meet something (pandemic or challenge) that will alter our goals.
In Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) we read, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps".
We may make plans what to do in life, but the Lord has the last say in what we do. And we need to acknowledge Him in all our ways; then He will direct our paths (Provers 3:6).
When things don't happen the way we have carefully planned, this will cause us to doubt and lose our confidence in God. We need to believe and trust that God knows our future better than we do. Jesus Himself said, "Do not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34).
What should we do? Pray and read the Bible. Trust that He will guide us in His perfect way for our lives. Let's all learn to trust Him like never before during this time. We have not seen all that God is teaching us. God will never forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5).
-Jim and Mary Keesic
Jim Keesic is elder for the Thunder Bay New Hope Fellowship, Ojibway Bible Translator with the Canadian Bible Society, and document translator for the Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
A: The world is in a crisis transitional period today because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone has been affected in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic even if they have not caught the coronavirus. All over the world, many people are undergoing some difficult changes while doing their part to control the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is becoming hard and frustrating on everyone to live daily with restrictions, wear facemasks, practice social distancing, stay home or attend Sunday service online.
The pandemic has taken away our freedom to do certain things that we enjoyed doing before, such as socializing with our friends and family members at home, eating out in restaurants and attending sporting events. We feel the negative psychological impact of isolation and lack of connection. Many people are getting frustrated with the lockdown on local businesses, shutdown of malls, the loss of jobs, crowded hospitals, vulnerable long-term care homes, added school restrictions, and demands for a faster rate of vaccinations.
The world is in a public health crisis, and it has affected people psychologically, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. Many people today are grieving because they have suffered multiple losses due to the pandemic. The pandemic is directly and indirectly linked to an increase in suicide risk factors such as anxiety, stress and depression.
I had plans before we got locked down and now, I don't know what my life will look like.
It is always good to make plans for the future. We need to make plans for everything we do in life. There is a wrong way and a right way to make plans. It is wrong not to include God in our plans. The right way is to commit our plans to God. Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) says, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."
Even if our plans do not turn out as we expected, we still need to trust the Lord. Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) tells us, "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established."
What should I do when things don't go as planned?
When things don't go as we planned, it is important that we stand firm on the Word of God. One of the major doctrines in the Bible is the sovereignty of God. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the worst global, public health crisis in recent history, God is still in control over everything that happens on earth and the universe. He is not taken by surprise by the COVID-19 pandemic. He is sovereign over all His creation. We can remember:
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
The LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Psalm 29:10, 11 (ESV)
Psalm 91 has brought great comfort to a lot of Christians during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Like many Christians, I have claimed Psalm 91 for the protection of my family and our home during the pandemic. As believers we don't have to be afraid of the pandemic when we know God is in control. In Psalm 91 (NLT) we read:
"This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him." (v. 2)
"For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease." (v. 2)
If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, (v. 9) no evil will conquer you, no plague will come near your home. (v.10)
For years my motto at work has been: "Keep on working even when things or circumstances don't work out to your expectations."
I have learned over the years in my Christian life and work experience that the problems we face at work or whatever we do in life are temporary. If you believe in the sovereignty of God don't give up when you face trials but learn to persevere even when things go wrong. In God's time He will work things out eventually. As a biblical counsellor, I often tell people that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The problems we face may be difficult but are temporary and can be fixed.
When things don't go as planned, we need to be patient and wait upon the Lord. Waiting on God is the building material of good plans. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) reminds us, "But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
We need to be flexible and accept the situation we face when things don't work out as you planned. Pray about it earnestly and seek God's will on the matter. If your plans are according to God's will He will make the way. However, He may close one door and open another. Let go of your grief and move on with your life. Don't live in the past but live for the present and press on for the future. We need to adapt and continue to carry out plans in a constantly changing environment.
Joseph Jolly, a Cree Indian, has earned M.A. and M.Div. degrees in administration, leadership and education and his Doctor of Ministry degree. A Cree, he is General Director of Native Gospel Ministries of Canada.
