What plans have you made lately? I know I’ve made plenty — hundreds, maybe thousands. When I was in kindergarten, I already had plans for marriage, a vacation, and a home. My mother even kept a picture I drew of it all, which she later shared with me. By the time I reached college, my planning had become much more detailed. I expected to have a career, a husband, children, and even businesses by the age of 25. I wrote out the vision — what my husband would be like, where we would live, what we would do, and how it would all come together. Baby, I had it all mapped out — false control and not nearly equipped.
But what I’ve discovered in this recovery season is that my plans never included space for disappointment, detours, or disaster. I didn’t leave room for closed doors or delays. I thought my path would go from one “cloud nine” moment to the next, but God had other plans. He is truly the MAN WITH THE PLAN! When my business faced setbacks, I thought it was the end of the road. I remember lying in bed one night, staring at unanswered emails and bills, wondering if I had missed God completely. That moment felt like failure — but it became the turning point. Long before this current moment, God had already begun confirming a recovery plan I never saw coming, one that would breathe life into every prophecy surrounding my life.
Through His restorative process, my book copyright is complete and the project has resumed, I’m almost finished with my first life coaching certification, and I’ve reopened my private practice. He has provided in ways I could never have arranged on my own. He sent the perfect project manager to rebuild the foundation, opened doors for new opportunities, and expanded my vision far beyond what I originally planned. And the thing is — all of this has happened within weeks. It’s been marked by speed, and I know that means GOD is restoring EVERYTHING I’ve lost and that’s been taken!
Looking back now, I see how much better His plan is. Mine was safe and limited. His was layered with growth, connection, and a future I couldn’t see at the time. God is always ahead of the game, and He already knows the future. And the truth is, God already has a plan for everything. He had a plan for my healing and rest before I even knew I was broken. He had a plan for provision before every circumstance ever showed up. He had a plan for marriage and family before the counterfeits. He had a plan for peace before the storm clouds gathered. He had a plan for my purpose long before I ever questioned my existence. He had a safety net long before he revealed the hearts of those around me. Remember, your current situation is a part of the process, and it will all work together for your good!
Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Let this verse become the anchor for your journey. I still make plans, but now I hold them loosely, knowing that God’s direction is always better. Always use a pencil instead of a pen in case your plan doesn’t align. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “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.”
In essence, His plan has always been greater than yours and mine. His plan is an outline of the entire recovery plan when you choose to surrender your plan for His. He can be trusted in all circumstances. Don’t focus on the time, focus on his promise!
With Love,
Patrice Thomas