STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
As I stood in front of the auditorium, preparing to speak at my retirement ceremony, I was overwhelmed by a flood of memories—memories of camaraderie, sacrifice, and growth. Twenty-five years in the Marine Corps had brought me to this moment—but it hadn’t always been the plan.
When I first enlisted right out of high school, I told myself it was just four years. I’d serve my country, earn some benefits, and move on. But four years turned into eight. Then came 9/11, and I couldn’t walk away from my fellow Marines. So, I stayed—just four more years, I said. That cycle repeated at 12 years, then 16. Each time, I thought I was in control of the plan. However, standing there, I realized something profound: if I had stuck to my original timeline, I would’ve missed so much. The friendships, the growth, the stories—none of it was part of my plan, but all of it was part of God’s.
Proverbs 16:9 says, The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. That verse perfectly captures my journey. I had a plan, but God had a purpose. And every detour, delay, and decision was part of His design to lead me to something greater. This verse reminds us that while planning is wise, it’s not ultimate. We often cling to our timelines and expectations, thinking they’ll bring us security. But God sees beyond our limited view. He knows what we truly need—who we’ll become, who we’ll impact, and how our story fits into His bigger picture. Looking back, I see that God wasn’t just rerouting my path—He was sculpting my soul through each detour.
APPLICATION: Think about a time when your plans didn’t go the way you expected. What did God teach you through that detour? Today, take a moment to surrender your timeline and trust that God’s plan is always better—even when it’s not what you imagined.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for guiding my steps even when I thought I knew the way. Help me to trust Your plan more than my own, and to find peace in the unknown. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?