Kidney Stones Were Not Part of the Plan

We were supposed to be on our way to Walla Walla right now for a get-together with Alex’s in-laws and some of their friends. It’s something we’ve been looking forward to for several weeks. However,instead of being on the road, we just returned from the ER.

I woke up early this morning with pelvic pain, which progressed into left flank pain. The CT at the ER showed not just one, but two nice sized kidney stones. I’m doing okay now. Still some pain, but morphine is wonderful stuff!

This experience got me thinking, though. We all make lots of plans, but things don’t always go the way we expect. As Psalm 94:11 explains, “The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.”

Robert Burns put it well when he wrote:

“The best laid schemes of Mice and Men
oft go awry,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!”

I can certainly attest to the “grief and pain” part after this morning!

So, when faced by disappointment and plans which “oft go awry” how should we react? Do we give into our frustration, respond with anger, or resign ourselves to defeat? Too often this is what we do, but there is a better way.

Ministry of Healing, p. 479:

“Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps.”

I was really looking forward to getting together with the Bannisters and our children this weekend. Kidney stones were definitely not part of my plan. But it’s okay with me, because I know “in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Romans 8:28. God knows what He’s doing, so I think I’ll just let Him do the planning from now on. I encourage you to do the same.

I don’t know what plans you’ve had or if your life has turned out like you hoped, but I do know God has great plans for your life, “…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremaiah 29:11

Today, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5, 6. Follow Jesus example and commit your ways to God and let Him direct your steps. Let Him do the planning. I promise He’ll never lead you astray.

Now, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll take it easy today, drink some extra water, do a little writing and reading, and just see what God’s got planned. Whatever it is, I know it’s going to be good – kidney stone or not!

God bless and Happy Sabbath!