We may think about the future and plan our lives as carefully as possible, but God has the final word. He is the One who turns our dreams into reality--or who turns our lives in a sharply different direction.

Chuck Colson was a bright young lawyer who planned to climb the ladder of influence and power. As Special Counsel to President Nixon, he was moving higher--until the Lord intervened. Because of his involvement in the cover-up of the Watergate scandal, he ended up in prison. Yet during this crisis he turned to Christ. He testifies today that his ministry as Director of Prison Fellowship is far more rewarding than life in politics without God ever was or could be.

We have all experienced changes in direction. We planned on doing one thing and ended up doing another. As a Bible college student, I planned on being a pastor. But God directed my steps and led me into a ministry of teaching, writing, and editing.

If we are trusting the Lord, we need not panic or despair when our plans fail or when our life abruptly changes direction. It is wise to make plans, but the Lord is the One who ultimately directs us as He wills. And His way is always so much better than we could have chosen.  — David C. Egner