I Know

Even in the best of times, plans often change. No matter how much work goes into scheduling an event or vacation or gathering or anything really, there is always the chance that something can come up, forcing a shift in those plans. As all of us are experiencing now, change is the rule rather than the exception. Plans that have been laid out for months for this event or that conference or this service or that vacation, are all at best in flux and at worse cancelled. I was asked earlier last week if I would be willing to step in and perform a wedding that had been scheduled for months but could no longer take place as planned due to our new temporary normal. I was blessed to say yes (fear not... less than 10 people will be present and social distancing will be practiced). This blessing, to step into a void and be used by God for His Glory, was and is a reminder that God has plans, and God will redeem all things for His glory. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”. Brothers and sisters, God works in all ways and in all circumstances. God had a plan for the changes to this wedding. God has a plan for those whose employment has been disrupted. God has a plan for students no longer in school. God has a plan for those who are sick. God has a plan for worship not being the same. God has a plan for all things. What might those plans be? To quote a seminary professor, “God is God, and I am not.” The only way to discover those plans is to listen, listen for God’s voice through prayer, through worship, in scripture, through talking with others. When we do these things, open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, we become partners with God in His plans for us, and God’s plans are revealed. May all your days start, continue, and end with being an active participant in God’s plans for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, keep you safe and make you strong, this night and always. Amen. Fr. Brian+