When God Interrupts Our Plans
Posted on July 8, 2007
Filed Under Personal, Worldview |
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
There is something strange about this blogging stuff. I began not knowing what it would really mean, but I now sense that I am writing to a bunch of friends. And that puts me in a little bit of a dilemma. Friends don’t hide things from friends and so I am feeling somewhat dishonest if I continue to remain silent about our current situation.
Last Thursday, my Dad had a stroke. I am in the hospital beside his bed as I am writing this. My wife and I are taking turns staying with him around the clock. Initially his speech was very slurred and he couldn’t walk. Today he took his first few steps and I am able to understand him a little better than yesterday. These are all good signs. We are hoping and praying for a full recovery…but who knows where this is headed.
My plan was to take Dad on a camping trip starting tomorrow. He loves the outdoors and the mountains, so we were going to take a trailer and head to the Snowy Range, then to Flaming Gorge, and if he tolerated all of that well, we would try to make the Tetons and then Yellowstone. I’ve been planning for this trip since last year, purchased a trailer and had been trying to pull together all of the things that are necessary to make this a successful outing. I was thinking it could be my Dad’s last. He is 94 and I don’t know how much more time I have with him.
So, now all of that has changed.
I have learned over and over again that when God interrupts our plans, there is something He has in mind that I don’t…and His plans are always better than mine. Sometimes it isn’t easy to see and sometimes it just isn’t easy, period. In fact, this one is rather difficult and rather emotional.
But, this is the time when trusting God is critical. It is easy to trust Him when He lets you continue with your plans. Anyone can do that. In fact, it would be appropriate to wonder if there is any trust involved in those situations at all.
So, we are trusting…and praying…but confident that God is doing exactly as He promised: working all things for good, to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
We have a great God…we really do.
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25 Responses to “When God Interrupts Our Plans”
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Dr. Del Tackett is president of the Focus on the Family Institute and Senior Vice President to Focus on the Family. He is also the architect and chief spokesperson for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project--a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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Del, so sorry to hear of your father’s stroke, but glad with you that he is improving. You have wonderfully explained the challenges of unexpected trials. May God grant you much grace…and trust.
And you are right - this is a group of friends you are blogging for/with.
Blessings.
Dr. Tackett,
First off, I want you to know that I have been impacted greatly by the Truth Project and your teachings. They are obviously a work of the Spirit in a mighty way.
Recently, I borrowed a book from a friend entitled “The Myth of a Christian Nation.” In it, Dr. Gregory Boyd posits that there is a firm line drawn between kingdoms of the earth and the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you read the book? What are your thoughts?
I found that the book was difficult to understand in terms of how Christians in any nation can balance their involvement in national politics and society while remaining separate in a sense.
If you get the chance to comment on this book, I would be greatly interested.
Thank you very much,
Mike Elmer
I am saddened to hear about your father and yet I am glad too knowing that he has you there to care for him, and although circumstances may change, God is the same. I shall keep all of you in my prayers.
Sometimes it isn’t easy to see. That’s right. This past year or so I’ve been hanging on tight to the mustard seed and right before I logged on tonight, I had hoped with everything I had that there would be a word or something. God has used your transparency to touch this heart. My mom is 61 and has stage 4 lung cancer. There have been incredible blessings and miracles along the way all pointing to the greatness of God.Last week we were attempting to plan a road trip with my mom as she is on a bit of a “chemo.holiday”, but the last round really knocked her for a loop. So that has changed. It has been so hard to watch. Now, with you, we trust.
You and yours are in our prayers. Thank you for your teaching, blogging and obedience.You are a blessing too so many. In His love~
Praying for you, your dad and the rest of your family Del. Thanks for sharing.
I will, of course, pray for and with you, Del.
May God be with you in this time and give you His peace.
Dr. Tackett….My wife and friends will be joining me in praying for your dad. May this be a wonderful time of rememberance for you and your family!
I have found the same thing. Blogging is odd… it is simultaneously an incredibly personal thing, though distributed in an incredibly impersonal fashion. It’s an odd phenomenon, and one I’ve not ever gotten entirely used to.
You and your family have been and will continue to be in my prayers. I do not understand what it is to be where you are; but I know the grace of God. As you say, we serve a great God.
This notion of trust takes me back to something you shared with me: that God knows precisely what plans He has for us, though they may look nothing like those we thought He had for us.
I’m glad you have this time with your father before He passes on.
God bless you.
Del, thank you for sharing your situation so that we could lift your father, your family, and you up in prayer. I really appreciated the personal information you put about your father in the truth project.
As I write this, I am reminded that my own father has not accepted Christ and pray that he does. Please pray that the Lord will work on my fathers heart to bring him to the savior that we love.
You are in our prayers….
Del,
Your dad is in my prayers, as are you and your family! I am so glad that you all know God and His blessed Son Jesus. Thank you for sharing both your grief and your faith with us!
Billie
I was 200 miles away when my father died. I remember the phone call from the Pastor like it just happened. Suddenly all the problems and imperfections in his life vanished and I remembered all the good he had done. I have often wondered if my heavenly father will do this for me when my time comes, wash away my slights and shortcomings and remember the good I tried to do. James was right when he wrote of “plans” for the future. Instead, it is “if God wills”. I remain so blessed. No longer “why me?” but now it is “now that I am here, what would you have me do?” Cherish the time remaining. Makes you feel like an ancient oak tree reflecting back on life, hoping to help the other young trees grow strong.
May the peace of God, which passes ALL understanding, be with you, and may you be surrounded be the love of family and friends during this difficult time. We will be praying for your father’s recovery.
Del, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I do pray he returns to his former health and you will have many more years with him. As I read your blog I immediately thought of a similar situation when my mother in law, an active, healthy 82 year old had a stroke the last of Oct. 2005. As it turns out my husband and I went to live with her for 6 months when she was released from the hospital while my son and his family lived in our house while their new house was being built. During that time I developed a deeper understanding of God and his word and it was during that time the first Truth Project was offered in Charlotte and I was able to attend. God gave me such a peace about being there with her and I was totally content even though I was away from my church family and friends. As I look back I see God working so many things together to prepare me to be able to do this and since it was only 35 miles from my husband’s business he could commute. It was a time of blessing for me and I think also for my mother in law. She is still able to stay at home alone now and friends and family are in and out to meet many needs she can no longer tend to. God is so faithful in all things. You are blessed to have your father so long. My mother died 27 years ago at age 66 and I lost my father on July 4th 10 years ago at age 82. Thank you for the Truth Project and for your blog site. I look forward each day to reading what you have to say. God bless you and your family.
Del,
I am moved and carrying the pain you have expressed. The most sincere compassion I am capable of has found fertile ground in my heart. I feel quite familiar with your fondness and genuine love for your father as a result of your expressions on this blog, and it hurts me deeply to see the plans you have made changing in realms so obviously challenging and at the core of your being. In earnest I pray for your serenity to remain intact, and that this branch in your tree of life yields the fruit of your faith, solidifying and enlarging your perspective, a perspective I’ve come to depend upon personally, and trust genuinely.
In His compassion,
God Bless You,
Tom S
Del,
Thank you for your openness, even though I have only met you briefly I feel like you are a friend as well.
Know that I am praying for you and your father.
God bless you.
Gary.
Del,thanks for giving us the opportunity and privilege to pray for your Dad. You know how you tell everyone at the conferences that people are praying for them individually? Can you let your Dad know that as well..that he has an army of believers calling out his situation to the very Giver of Life Himself. Not one breath goes unnoticed and I just pray that his feeble steps become strong and his voice will once again sing the praises he was created to sing. I am excited to see why the Lord “interrupted” your plans! He always has something special up his sleeve for His children.
Del,
First of all, know that we are praying for your dad and the entire family.
A few weeks ago my 25 year old step son took his own life; he is a Christian and we know he is waiting for us. My point in writing is that Romans 8:28 was the first Scripture that came to mind, and the one that I have been clinging to. I know that God is faithful to His promises and His Truth’s are just that; Truth. Thank you so much for sharing a part of your life with us; you are among friends. Be well and be blessed.
Peace,
Jeff Eilenberger
Dear Heavenly Father,
If it is Your will, may Your healing hand be upon Del’s father. And a full recovery be had!
Please comfort and give strength to Del and his family as they support their loved one.
This I pray, in the name of Your loving Son, Jesus Christ, AMEN
Dear Dr. Tackett,
Thank you so very much for sharing….the Lord has really gifted you in the area of writing & speaking; you do so right from your heart & it is so evident. Your words are very helpful to so many of us.
We have placed you, your Dad and all your family at the top of our prayer list. May God surround you all with His Peace and Love.
We sincerely appreciate you and all you do.
Dr. Del,
I am praying for you and your Dad. I feel like I know him a little because of lesson 12 when you explained his heart for the “left out” among us. I apprecaite the wisdom and love he has mentored you with and now you are mentoring all of us! Praise God for a Dad whom you have had the privelege of relationship and for the 96 years he has had on this earth!
I do not have much of a relationship with my Dad. He left our home when I was 12, and although he never lived far physcially we have been miles apart in every other way.
Praising God for your Dad, praying for his recovery and thankful that our Lord is the Father to the fatherless!
Debbie Smith
Cottonwood, AZ
I know very well how it is to lose a father. I lost mine when I was 20, and he was only 51. I am thankful that God took him quickly so he would not have to suffer. Almost two years before, I lost my grandfather who had to suffer many months with his terriable disease. The last words he spoke were, ” The Cross!!!” I have been a firm believer ever since. Thank you Dr. Tackett for your truth project. Made a world of difference to me and my mom. I will pray for you and your family. My church as well. God Bless sir.
Dr. Tackett,
I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad’s stroke. As like many others, I can sympathize with you. While these may not have been your plans, know that the priviledge of caring for your Father will be something you cherish when this season ends. I know you will do it out of gratitude, thanksgiving and as unto the Lord.
Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Del-
Thank you for your vulnerability with us. It is what allows the Spirit of God to reach out and touch tender places within those who read your blog.
My heart aches for you…the plan you are having to let go of today so that you can allow the Lord’s plan to take hold of your heart.
I am having to let go of something in my own life that is difficult to let go of….I am needing to allow Him to interrupt my plans….
Just reading the title of your blog today made me catch my breath….
Even in the most difficult circumstances, Del, the Lord is using you to bring glory to Himself in ways you will never know.
Yes, we do have a great God.
My husband and I will be praying for you, your Dad and the rest of your family.
Hugs to you all.
Del: I hope your father continues to improve and will keep him in our prayers.
On another topic: After attending your workshop in Atlanta last year, I immediately viewed every one of the dvd’s twice! Del, this is powerful stuff that will compel people to action internally and externally.
I have been approached by many asking why we don’t get organized to take advantage of the “next ateps” in implementing the Truth Project. May I strongly suggest that you help get us organized to do so on 3 fronts: loca, regional (state wide), and national. Divide the 12 points on the wheel into 3 “Army Divisions” that get organized on the 3 levels. Then we go into action as God calls us. This would be a voluntary army bringing together those that are called into service. We could have a web site, trade success stories and learn from each others triumphs.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS! We need toget going before it is too late.
Blessings,
David
I am not sure I can give you anything more heartfelt or articulate than has already been expressed here other than to offer you the hope that is in Jehovah Rophe (The Lord Who Heals).
It is a small token of appreciation for introducing me to El Qanna during our tour of the Truth Project.
My husband and I covenant to pray for God’s favor to be upon your father and your family, and wisdom to the doctors who are treating him.