God's Call to Plan B

By Nancy Boyle

Last spring, Libby Hall Woodward and I led a women's event in West Virginia, Wonderful women and a special time. One of the high points was when Libby taught us this song.

"Roll it over, put it down,
Take a step back and you'll see.
Not to worry, it's all right,
ALL OF LIFE IS PLAN B'.

The delighted laughter came as we all saw the truth in the song. I have been singing it and living it ever since.

The Bible is full of plan B stories. Joseph who had so many aborted plans in his life gives us this message. He tells his terrified brothers, "You meant to do harm but God meant to bring good out of it by preserving the lives of others . . ." You may want to stop now and read the whole story again. (Genesis 50:18-21.) All of life is plan B.

As I reflect on my own life I can see the same pattern. A dramatic change gave me a new career as a teacher. Hard work, but a glorious plan B. It seems to me that what separates us humans from other animals are the gifts of imagination and reflection. Both can get us into trouble if we allow fear and resentment to be a part of our memory. To stop and reflect on the tough places in our lives and to see how they have molded us helps. We make friends with those hard times and are grateful for the experience. Then we can relax in the present and not fear the future. It’s easy to type this message, but a challenge and an adventure to live this way. God's Call, Plan B?

At this time of year, Mary and Elizabeth are our models. What a plan B they both lived. Luke 1:26-56. Are there some clues for my life? Mary spent time quiet and alone to hear God. Obedient to what she heard she hurried to check it out with a trusted friend. She and Elizabeth apparently shared a vision of what could be. Wondering what God might be doing? Could they really be part of the plan? You can almost feel their joy and excitement as you read the story. Maybe they thought about Hannah. Her song was similar to Mary's. ( I Samuel 1:26-2:10). Certainly there were many times in their lives that they had cause to think that God had got it all wrong.

What does it take to live abundantly in plan B? For me quiet time, prayer and journaling each day. Sometimes very meaningful, sometimes not, but my days are different if I miss. Sometimes the call comes in an encounter with another, a book, a newspaper article. Most of the time it is something that seems very non-important in the grand scheme of things, like a phone call or a note to someone. I also need help in discerning call so my small group and close friends are important. Sharing with others and seeing what God is doing in their lives gives encouragement. I have also learned that God's call is accompanied with a deep sense of joy! It may be challenging and hard, but what I call "the want-to" is there if I pay attention.

At a recent family gathering some folks arrived that I was not expecting. In my head I sang the Plan B song and laughed inside. How very different the weekend was because of my attitude. One of the guests said a word that changed my whole picture! God continues to be a surprise!

May your Advent and Christmas season be filled with God's wondrous Plan B!

Suggested readings

Anne Lamotte, Plan B

John Claypool, God, the Ingenious Alchemist

Group Questions

1. Look back on your own life and notice where your plans “Plan A” were thwarted or changed unexpectedly. Describe one of those turning points in some detail.

2. How do you stay in touch with God’s “Plan B” for your life?

Nancy Boyle is a relational Bible teacher and member of the Lumunos Elder Council. She is a past Chair of the Faith At Work Board of Directors.