Living Out Plan A in a Plan B World
At the dawn of a new year, it’s natural to find ourselves making plans and setting resolutions. We look ahead at the calendar—a Leap Year offers us 366 sunrises, countless meals and conversations—and we dream of improvement. Yet, in all our planning, statistics show that nearly 80% of our resolutions will be abandoned by mid-February. Why is it so hard to stick to our best intentions, and what do we do when life refuses to cooperate with our carefully built “Plan A”?
The book of James offers encouragement in exactly this scenario. (James 5:7–12 esv) teaches us about perseverance, patience, and trust in God’s greater design—especially when our own plans falter, and we feel as if we’re living in a “Plan B” world.
I. The Plan of Farmers: Patient Working
James begins with an illustration from farming: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” (James 5:7 esv) The farmer’s life is a pattern of work and waiting, trusting that God’s timing will bring a harvest after the rains. Likewise, our spiritual lives require faithful, daily diligence and patient trust, even if the visible results are slow in coming.
II. The Plan of Prophets: Witnessing through Suffering
“Take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:10 esv) Sometimes, being exactly where God wants us to be still leads to trials. The prophets suffered for their faithfulness, yet their message and endurance became a powerful witness. Suffering does not always mean we’ve missed God’s plan—sometimes it means we’re right in the middle of it! Their example reminds us that God’s grace truly is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:10 esv), and our hardships can lead others closer to Jesus.
III. The Plan of Job: Steadfast Waiting
James writes, “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11 esv) Job lost almost everything, yet he clung to faith. His story shows that endurance through confusion and pain can reveal God’s greater compassion, mercy, and restoration. When our answers are delayed, God is still teaching, shaping, and working for our ultimate good.
Conclusion: Trusting God’s Plan
No matter how meticulously we plan, life often takes unexpected turns. Yet, God’s plan—Plan A—isn’t thwarted by our Plan B setbacks. As we step into the new year, let’s remember the example of the farmer, the prophets, and Job. Let’s work diligently, witness faithfully, and wait patiently, trusting that God holds our future. As Scripture promises: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 esv)
Will you follow God’s Plan A—even in a Plan B world?