Man Proposes, but God Disposes
Who hasn't thought he had firm plans to do something—but none of it came to pass? Occasionally, something like that happens. Perhaps a family thought they were going to enjoy some tourist attractions, but three days of rain canceled most of the activities. Or maybe a Bible study was scheduled for 10:00 A.M.; lunch out with a church member was supposed to occur at 12:30; in the evening a family was expected for dinner. But the Bible study canceled due to unexpected company from out of town coming in the night before. The church member had to postpone the lunch date due to the need for an emergency car appointment (what is that rattling, anyway?). Oh, yes, company for the evening had to reschedule, also, because the two children were sick. Suddenly, a booked-up day turned into a blank calendar.
The same thing can happen spiritually. For example, Paul had planned to go through Corinth twice—on the way up and the way back from Macedonia (2 Cor. 1:16). But his travel plans did not work out that way. Sometimes, things just happen; coincidences do occur. Or maybe Satan had a hand in it. Paul declared to the Thessalonians that he wanted to come to them more than once, but Satan hindered him from doing so (1 Thess. 2:18). But it just may be that God had the final say-so in the plans we humans had made.
Perhaps, you have heard of the saying, "Man Proposes, but God disposes." That means that we make plans, but God may change them to suit Himself. This concept might come from three verses in the middle chapter of Proverbs.
The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord (16:1).
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (16:9).
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord (Pr. 16:33).
So, to what extent does God mess with our plans? Only He may know the answer to that, but even regarding the Lord's work, a missionary may set out to evangelize Ireland and end up in Italy. Or how about the preacher who was unofficially assured that he would be moving to work with a particular congregation, but something else happened. Could it be that God thought he was needed elsewhere? Being finite, our wisdom does not always make the best choices, but the One whom we worship and serve does know what is best for all concerned.