The year of cancelled plans

We all thought 2020 would be same old same old. We made our plans and on they rolled – until COVID-19 exploded across the entire world and all our plans were cancelled. March became April and then June. No plans, no routine, not much of anything outside our homes. All of a sudden for us here in Victoria (Australia) when the second wave came along July suddenly became August and we all realised that we were now stuck in our homes with no plans, no routine, not much of anything until at least mid-September. We’re now all starting to wonder where 2020 has gone and whether we will be allowed a family Christmas.

This is a worldwide pandemic so each of us has our own unique experience of 2020 and cancelled plans. As a very excited believer in God, 2020 and coronavirus have definitely made me think long and hard about how much I love this life versus how much I cannot wait for Jesus to return and set up his awesome Kingdom on Earth. I have always looked forward to Jesus’ return more than anything. Period. But this year as my family’s plans are cancelled and re-planned and cancelled again, it’s hard not to feel frustrated. I just want my old life back! I love holidays and fun times and routine! I love being in control of what we do and when we do it. But of course, I know that actually it is God who is in control and I love that God is in control so it’s quite a strange conflict.

I am reminded of Proverbs, which says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21, NLT). God has a plan with the world that is heading towards a conclusion. We don’t know when Jesus will return but studying the Bible shows that there isn’t much left that needs to happen, if anything at all, before He comes back. Any plans we make day by day, year by year come second to God’s plan. He is making things just right for Jesus to return and set up His awesome kingdom where all the things that are wrong with this life, like coronavirus, will be distant memories.

I know that some people don’t like the thought of a God having control or having plans with the world, but I do. What a relief to know that someone is in control of this crazy, chaotic world where the future is looking more and more uncertain for its inhabitants. What a relief to know that you can be included in His plans. The book of Jeremiah says, ““For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). Brilliant!

The good news that Jesus preached when He was on earth and the good news that we read in the Bible today is that it’s so easy to be part of God’s plans, and if God’s plan is your plan, you can rest assured that not even COVID-19 can stop it. Proverbs says, “Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3, NLT).