God's Road Map

December 31, 2007

By Betty Rich Hendon

" '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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart' " (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV).

Do not be upset when God redirects the path you are taking.

Early in our marriage I was already teaching school when my husband started looking for a position. Drexel received a lead from a hospital in Marion, Ind., for which he was trained. No such opening existed in Memphis where we had hoped to settle.

We drove to Marion, and Drexel went for the job interview. I interviewed to teach English. We were both offered a position, so we went house hunting.

We discovered a homey older house with a fireplace, white built-in bookcases and nice hardwood floors. We felt we had found our new home.

Everything was a go. We took my contract home to sign and return.

It was summer, so we had time before school started to move our furniture and adjust to a new community and a new routine. Our path seemed to lead us out of state.

Just as we were ready to leave Memphis for good, Drexel received a call from a local hospital. Someone was preparing to sell his house in Memphis and move to Florida.

We were elated to find a home and job in Memphis. Our path had changed. God had redirected us and we were able to remain within 100 miles of our parents. We were near as they aged -- two battled cancer and two struggled with a stroke and heart problems.

God knew Drexel would be working in the hospital where my brother would battle for his life for 15 months.

God knew the future. He gently led us to make the correct decision. He knew the path we needed to follow. Indiana was not on His road map.

Where is He leading you? If you don't know all the details, don't despair. Remember, His plans are to prosper you and give you a hope and a future.

-- Adapted from "Paths That Cross," by Betty Rich Hendon.