This week we've been focusing on "Plan B."  That means moving from our original plan to another plan, because our original plan didn't work.  With the Apostle Paul and Silas, Plan B didn't work either so they had to move on to "Plan C":. ⁸So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.

The reality is in our lives we'll move from "Plan A" to "Plan B" to "Plan C" to ..... you get the idea.  No one gets to do exactly what he or she plans to do all the time.  In fact, for most of us the plan changes daily.  Stumbling blocks get put in the way.  Detours abound.  The key is to remember that God has a plan that supersedes all our stumbling blocks and detours--and actually anticipates them!

Whatever our plan may be today, the key is to hold it lightly, so God can work in us through it or in spite of it!  My plan is to be so open to the Holy Spirit's leading at any moment that I will be ready to move to another plan.  That way, I'll keep heading in the direction I'm going--which is in the direction of advancing God's Kingdom, the direction of enjoying God's grace and extending His glory.  I was just telling someone this morning that I'm nearly 55 years old and I LOVE what I do!  That's not too common among 55 year olds in America.  Many, if not most, are planning how and when they can retire.  I'm planning how I can keep working for another twenty to thirty years and make an impact in Jesus' name.  That's my "Plan A" right now.  I know it's all dependent on God and I could be with Him this afternoon, but as long as He gives me the opportunity to be here, my plan is to follow His plan of going into all the world and making disciples--starting in Saxonburg and extending wherever and whenever He leads.  I'm so grateful for the "mission outpost" we already have in Saxonburg and this region--the homes of all of New Life's families.  I'm grateful that we'll soon have a central "mission outpost" from which to worship, fellowship, disciple one another and minister and go out in mission together.  I'm grateful--period, to be part of God's amazing Plan!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for having a plan worth living in our lives!  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may live out that plan in whatever direction and specific situation You lead us.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.