There comes a moment in every person’s life when God changes the plan. Sometimes, it’s a sudden promotion or an unexpected job opportunity. Other times, it’s a setback or obstacle that stands between us and our goals. I’ve experienced both. My family has been radically blessed and radically challenged in our journey of following Jesus. It seems the bigger my plans, the more I encounter God's diverting authority over my life.

Over the past several years, my family has followed God’s lead repeatedly. We felt called to sell everything, leave our home, and serve a community of ministry students overseas. A mission like this brings many dangers, toils, and snares, so I worked hard to prepare for all contingencies. I researched, planned, and preempted every possible scenario, outcome, and emergency. The only problem? My imagination couldn’t begin to anticipate the challenges that awaited us.

My wife and four children were counting on me to provide for them, but I quickly learned I couldn’t do that in the ways I had hoped. Following God meant leaving our private school earlier than planned, moving out of our home months ahead of schedule, and saying difficult goodbyes to friends. Yet, through it all, He provided for us, opened doors we didn’t expect, and cleared the rough paths ahead. Even so, our family was shaken—our relationships, finances, and identities were all tested.

After four years of living this way, I’ve begun to understand something on a deeper level: I’m not asking God to help me accomplish my plans. Instead, God is asking me to accomplish His plans for my life. And while His plans are always good, they can also be hard.

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

It’s easy to walk forward when you know exactly where you’re going. But when doors close unexpectedly, when prayers seem unanswered, and when carrying your cross begins to hurt, it becomes much harder to take the next step. Yet, there is hope.

I’m learning that God’s plans are far richer, greater, and more fulfilling than my own. His timing is perfect, and He closes doors for a reason. I’m discovering that God provides abundantly and loves my children more than I ever could. Ultimately, I’m learning that my best life is one where I follow Him—rather than trying to lead Him where I want to go.

To anyone who feels like their plans are falling apart, let me offer this encouragement: maybe it’s time to persist, or perhaps it’s time to surrender your plans to Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of your faith, and His steps for your life are far more meaningful than your own. Have the courage to follow, the fortitude to persevere, and the understanding that your greatest significance lies in obedience.