Acts 16 contains the story of Paul's making lemonade out of lemons. Paul had set his mind to go to Birthynia, but "the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them." Having been blocked from what he wanted to do, he ends up in Troas instead. From Troas he makes his way to Philippi, where the Church is rooted and the faith is greatly enhanced.
Those of us who have dreamed one dream only to find ourselves redirected, can appreciate the message in this story. Sometimes, what we intend to do isn't what is allowed. What happens has less to do with our volition and more to do with what is helpful.
If we are wise and discerning, we will quickly adapt to the new course and make the most of it from the very beginning. It is not very productive to spend days or weeks bemoaning that which is not allowed.
Too often we continue to try to redirect our path, ignoring the opportunities set before us by God, preferring our own plans or intentions.
It is not as simple as saying whatever will be will be. Rather it is a matter of understanding that our lives have a purpose as well as a plot. The plot line may change; the purpose remains the same.
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