A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. – Proverbs 16:9, Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Stroups* had a plan:

1. Leave the United States of America behind,
2. Settle in Cambodia,
3. Build an orphanage, and
4. Take over the administration of an existing Christian school.

Having spent close to two years laying the groundwork for their move, the Stroups expected a relatively smooth transition into their new lives in Asia.

That’s not what they got.

From the moment they arrived, everything seemed to go wrong. Paperwork affecting their ability to travel within Cambodia had been left unattended. Their new home, which was supposed to be under construction, had not even been started. They discovered that the land they purchased almost a year prior to arriving in Cambodia had not yet been transferred into their name. Several family members became sick within days of arrival. In short, life was not going according to plan – at all!

Then, as the days passed, it became clear that God had thrown the Stroups a curveball for a reason. The need for another orphanage in their temporary city of residence was just as great – if not greater – than in their target city. Before long, God organized events so that the Stroups could organize a second, unplanned home for orphans that, once open, will change – and possibly save – the lives of nearly three dozen abandoned children.

One of the best life lessons we can learn is that our plans are no good unless they are in sync with God’s. Since we don’t know everything that God knows, we shouldn’t be all that surprised when God inserts frequent course corrections into our schedules. Granted, it can be kind of tough getting used to not being in control. But, we ought to do so, for each disruption in our plans really isn’t an inconvenience. Rather, each disruption in our plans is God’s way of making our steps more sure.

*To learn more about the Stroup family mission to Cambodia, please visit www.hopebound.org.