I got a text from a friend the other day, giving me an update on something we’d been praying about. She meant to type “Because of God’s intervention . . .” but autocorrect stepped in and changed it to “Because of God’s interference.”
It made me laugh, as autocorrect tends to do, but then it occurred to me that there’s some truth in this typo. Isn’t that how I see God sometimes?
I present him with what I’m sure is the perfect plan, the ideal solution to a problem, the surefire answer to my prayer. And then I wait for things to unfold exactly as I’ve drawn them up.
Only it rarely happens this way. God interferes with my plans.
Here’s just a small sampling:
Ten years ago . . . I just knew Guy X was “the one” for me. I told God all the reasons this relationship was meant to be. But God interfered. The wedding bells were silent.
Two years ago . . . My husband (not Guy X!) applied for a job that seemed just right for him—a position he was perfectly qualified for and where he had a personal connection. But God interfered. Daniel didn’t get the job.
Two months ago . . . Daniel and I found a house we had our hearts set on, and we made an offer the next day. But just before the papers were signed, another buyer whisked in. God interfered. We were back to square one at Realtor.com.
In each scenario, I found myself miffed by God’s interference. If only he’d listened to me, surely things would have worked out perfectly!
But with enough space and time and perspective, I can often look back and see what I couldn’t see in the moment. And when I do, I thank God for interfering.
If things had worked out with Guy X, I never would have met Daniel, who is clearly the man God had in mind for me all along. Thank you, God for interfering.
And that job Daniel applied for a couple of years ago? The organization has since completely closed its doors. Thank you, God for interfering.
As for the house we didn’t get, that loss allowed us to find our home—the one that’s just right for us. Thank you, God for interfering.
And those are just the cases where I can get a glimpse of what God is up to behind the scenes. If only I could pull back the veil between heaven and earth, I’d see that he’s orchestrating so many things for good—and that his definition of good far surpasses what I can grasp.
So here’s what I want to remember the next time God interferes: His interference doesn’t mean he isn’t listening or he isn’t able to step in. It’s his way of saying, “Oh child, hold on. I can see things so much more clearly than you can. Do you trust me?”
Because sometimes God’s interference means he’s too kind to give us what we ask for.
Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.
—Eric Liddell
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Your turn . . .
Has God ever interfered with your plans? What happened? I’d love to hear your story.
I love the quote by Eric Liddell! One of the things I look forward to experiencing in heaven is seeing all the ways God has used what I would consider unfortunate circumstances for good. I imagine it will be quite mind-blowing!
So true, Erin! I’m picturing this as a highlight reel in heaven. 🙂
It is often hard for me when God interferes with “my plans.” I am a planner by nature and I often find myself telling God how things should work out. Sometimes I even add but let Your will be done but do I really mean it? Somehow, despite my plans, I have ended up in St Louis and I am looking back at this interference wondering why I ever questioned God in the first place. He is so amazing! Again I am reminded to let Him work His plans. Thanks for the reminder.
Yes, isn’t it amazing to see how God landed in a place you didn’t expect, kind of like Abraham? Great thoughts!