Making Your Own Plans?
- Charlie Brown
- Sep 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
After being in the clothing business for over 50 years , I've loved encouraging and inspiring others, just as others have encouraged and supported me as I was beginning my career journey. One day I decided I would write an amazing inspirational book to motivate and uplift others, just like my mentors did.
Reality Check: I had never written anything and I was the worst speller that ever graduated Barber School!
My wife recommended that I might just start out by writing a weekly blog. I didn't even know what a blog was, and frankly . . . . I still don't!
However, I did have a wealth of material that I had gathered throughout the years, including inspirational quotes and stories. Yet, God had different plans for my 'brilliant inspirational-intention'.
Just as God did when He commissioned the Apostle Paul to go and spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. When God commissioned him, Paul started packing his suitcase and began planning his road-trip. He intended to reach the most people by journeying to far-off places and spreading the Gospel to large crowds.
However, God's plan for him was different: As Paul covered many miles to various destinations, he was frequently arrested for sharing his message. He was thrown in jail and spent a total of six years in prison, far more time in prison than on the road. His prison time provided him with plenty of opportunities to reflect and write. He authored nearly half of the Books in the New Testament.
What seemed like a setback was actually a step forward! The time Paul spent in prison actually gave him the opportunity to fulfill God's mission.
What about you and your life plans? Did you plan one thing but ended up in a totally different direction?
You might not have understood what was happening at that time, but looking back you may have to admit, it made you stronger and God worked it out for your good!
Like I always say, if you want to make GOD really laugh, make your own plans!
