Proverbs 16:9 NLT We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. 

[03/10/2023; iPhone X]

 A few years ago, I took a spontaneous day trip to Paris, France. At the time, I was working in England and learned in a meeting that the Eurostar could get you from London to Paris in just a few hours. After some quick research using the TrainLine App, my buddy Luke and I decided to go for it. No overthinking, no long logistics plans, just booked the tickets and showed up. 

That morning we grabbed juice at Joe and the Juice inside London St. Pancras Station, mine was called the “Iron Man,” and paired it with a small banana bread! Soon after, we boarded the Eurostar. I remember seeing all the stats flashing on the screen that explained the speed we were going, the distance from A to B, the weather and before we knew it, we were in the heart of Paris. 

This was probably the only trip I’ve ever taken where I truly did zero planning. No list of “must-sees.” No starred spots on Google Maps. Just Luke, me, and our feet and believe me, we walked A TON. 

Our first stop was a restaurant called L’Escargot Montorgueil, a classic French spot known for frog legs and snails. Above the sign was a huge golden snail, which is honestly part of the reason we picked it. The food was far from my usual we had frog legs, escargot, champagne and some French Onion Soup, but those are the memories that seem make travel real. 

Walking through Paris felt like stepping into a painting. We walked along The Seine, spent some time in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and of course, saw the Eiffel Tower as it stretched over the skyline. 

The history of Paris always struck me; there is a YouTube Channel called “Oversimplified” that goes over a bunch of topics throughout history in an animated and comedic way, and I remember watching the series on the French Revolution, followed by the Napoleonic Wars series.  Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the greats in history, and he is remembered for his drive and ambition, the way he pressed forward to expand his influence. But even for the Junior Officer that worked his way up to become the Emperor of France, his plans had come to a screeching halt. 

That’s when Proverbs 16:9 came alive for me. Most of my life was spent in Orange County, CA. Suddenly, in 2021, in what felt like a blink of an eye, I was living in Texas, and then overseas in the UK. Within a matter of months, I had been to England, Scotland, and now (at the time) France. I looked back on all the plans I once had for myself, and how completely different life had turned out for the better. 

In the grand scheme of things, I knew I was never in control, in fact, daily I pray to God that I am so thankful that He is in control, and that I am so thankful that I am NOT in control.  God, in His kindness, redirects me. The detours, the unplanned trips, the unexpected friendships, the ups and downs and everything in between, those are the very places He meets us, now and forever. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is another verse that can help remind us that even when life feels unpredictable or when the path looks different than we imagined, God’s plans are always greater. The Lord has a way of writing stories that are far better than anything we could have ever scripted. His plans are not just random detours, they are intentional steps leading us closer to Him and the good future He promises.

Of course, after all of that walking, it had left our feet feeling pretty wrecked. But it gave us the perfect excuse to stop for the essentials. Croissants, coffee, and chocolate. The typical touristy stuff you do in Paris.  

Before heading back, I picked up a magnet from a small gift shop and Luke and I sat down at a pub near Gare du Nord train station. Nothing fancy, just two brothers in Christ talking about life and faith. Luke would leave the UK a few months later, and I didn’t hear much from him until recently. I reached out on WhatsApp, and it was nice being able to catch up! He’s now building a business with his brother, moving to San Diego, and still talking about Jesus. So good. 

Closing

Maybe you’ve been making plans only to watch them unravel. Or maybe you feel like you’re drifting with no direction at all. If so, here’s your reminder: God is never surprised. The same God who orders the stars orders your steps. Trust Him He knows the way forward. 

He is faithful to lead you. 

Jesus is KING! 

As you reflect this week, ask yourself: 

Where might God be redirecting your steps right now? 

How can you trust Him in the unplanned moments?

 Please share in the comments! 

💎