I had it all planned out. With a evangelist visiting this weekend, I structured my to do list around a little extra time at the end of this week. Extra reading from premarital counseling book…check. Finish 8 page contextual analysis of Romans 12:1-2…check. Article for church newsletter…check. Keswick girls’ basketball game on Saturday…check. Dinner with evangelist and family…check.

Then came the unexpected phone call on Friday. Medical emergencies will not allow the evangelist to be with us on Sunday. The crumpling sound you heard was my “to do” list.
I started a new one with urgency. Complete two sermons for Sunday…check. Everything else…we’ll see when I get around to it.

I experienced the natural emotions of frustration and concern. I’ve never been fond of the curve balls that life seems to throw at us. I don’t mind change as long as I have time to prepare for it. Yet a part of me likes the challenge of a deadline.

Once again, God showed Himself faithful. I was able to work efficiently and with clarity of thought. Before I went to bed last night, I had my sermon material completed.

Today I was contemplating why things happen as they do. We have been praying and preparing for this next week for some time. God already had begun to work in the hearts of many people. Last week two more responded to the invitation of salvation. Others have been seeking a renewal of God’s work in their lives. Must we postpone this?

Tonight a different feeling came over me. I’m excited about tomorrow. Part of that is because I really love to preach. (I’m a little lost on Sundays when we have a guest speaker.) But more than that I can’t wait to see what God has in store. He’s changed our plans, so I know He has a better one. He is still the God who can do that which is beyond what we can ask or think.

As I write this there is still the matter of an 8 page contextual analysis that is due tomorrow night. God is still good.