IF’s, But’s and Maybe’s are not necessarily the vocabulary of unbelief. We are living in times of the most amazing declarations. Themes for conferences are often presumptuous boasts to actually outdo the other conference across the road. They may mention God but they may not have checked beforehand to see if He approves. We are so sure of ourselves!
Paul was a seasoned sojourner. He knew what it was to follow the Spirit’s leading which meant that anything could happen, changes could take place and things may not work out the way he had thought at the beginning.
“After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.” (1 Corinthians 16 v 5-7)
We should not let go of our firm intentions so long as we have created space for adaptation. Change is ever before us and wisdom makes plans with openness of hand. Christ is the higher authority that has sovereignty over our lives and so we do well to tread carefully, if the Lord permits.
Missions Paul 