CHANGE OF PLANS 

Clarissa Hernandez 

Today's Scripture: “This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry.” Jonah 4:1, NLT  

Theme: We can become upset when there is a change of plans, even if the change is from God and results in great good.  

GO…BUT NOT YET! 

After months of wrestling with God, I finally surrendered and applied to go on a mission trip to South Africa with The Cove. The moment I submitted my application, fear and questioning gave way to incredible peace and excitement. I was ready! 

However, days later the team leader called to tell me that the team was already full and suggested I choose a different trip. It had taken me so long to finally say “yes” yet when I surrendered, I was politely asked not to go! I was disappointed, frustrated, and a little embarrassed. I could have allowed those emotions to prevent me from applying again, but thankfully, I chose to trust that God was at work.  

Weeks later when new trips were posted, I prayed over what to do and was led to join the June 2024 South Africa trip. In the weeks leading up to departure, it became clear that I needed to be on that specific team to serve with a project unique to that trip. God used me during the trip and opened doors to a ministry that I am still involved in today.  

I regularly look back and thank God for intervening in my plans and helping me find peace rather than anger when plans changed. The trip awakened a calling in my life, my role in that ministry was born, and this has allowed me to bless others in ways I never thought possible. 

A BIGGER PICTURE 

After trying to run from God, getting tossed into the sea, living inside a fish, and eventually being spewed onto land, Jonah finally accepted his mission. In Jonah’s mind, his job was to go to Nineveh, warn them that God was going to destroy their nation because they were evil, then sit back and watch as God rained down fiery justice.  

However, when the Ninevites' response was repentance, God chose to spare their lives. Jonah was furious at God’s grace and perhaps a little offended that God didn’t consult him before showing mercy. Whether Jonah approved or not didn’t matter. God’s will was done and an entire city turned to Him. Jonah’s anger over the change of plans clouded his vision, keeping him from celebrating the eternal change that took place in Nineveh. 

TRUSTING THE PLAN WITHOUT SEEING THE PURPOSE  

It is such a blessing when God reveals why He changes plans, just as He revealed to me why my mission trip to South Africa needed a different timeline. But we don’t always get those answers. When my plans are thwarted, I often have no idea what God’s purpose is.  

While I see why God brought my family to North Carolina, I still don’t understand His timing. I often wonder if the move would have been much easier if we could have waited two years for our son to graduate from high school. Perhaps one day God will reveal why he brought us here when he did, but even if He doesn’t, I know I can trust that His plan was the better one. 

Make It Personal: Are you currently in a situation where God is changing your course? Are you struggling to see how this new path is really better? Take a moment to remember times when God shifted your plans in order to do something greater than you could have imagined. If you are angry or frustrated with changes, ask Him to give you peace as you trust that His will is being fulfilled. 

Pray: Dear God, I am so thankful that You are in control, that You show mercy, and that You offer grace. You can see so much further and deeper than I can even imagine. Help me not to be angry when plans change. Open my eyes to see and trust that You have a greater plan and purpose for all things in my life. Amen. 

Read: Exodus 32:7-14, Philippians 1:12-14, Acts 16:6-10 

Weekly Memory Verse: “Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” Jonah 4:3, NLT