When plans change

 February 20 reading in the One Year Bible, the New Testament section from Mark 5:18. 

After the demon possessed man (the one with Legion for we are many) was delivered by Jesus and the demons went into the pigs that ran down the cliff into the sea, the man begged to follow Jesus.

You would think that Jesus would say hop aboard, you have a powerful testimony! I certainly could use a disciple like you! But he didn't. He did not permit the man to follow him.

Instead, he had a different mission. A hometown mission.

Have you had your plans change? Maybe a radical experience with Jesus and you were eager to jump in the boat and go wherever he was going? Even to the ends of the Earth? So certain he's healed you and made you new that you must surely now be called to some sort of ministry? Maybe you even struck out into an adventure because you were so convinced Jesus could use your story. And maybe things didn't go as you thought.

Maybe, Jesus is looking for some of us to be hometown missionaries. Maybe we're to stay in our homes where people new us before our transformations so that when we tell them what Jesus has done for us they can see it with their own eyes and marvel. 

Maybe it's ok to have our plans change. Maybe we should do what Psalm 37: 3 says, Trust in the Lord and do good, Dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness.

All I truly know is JESUS has the perfect plans for us and following his plans never disappoints and always produces good. 

One last observation, before the man asked to go with Jesus he was found sitting and talking with Jesus and in his right mind. I think before we ask about going we first start with knowing....sitting and talking with Jesus and knowing him first is most important.

Just some thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear your thoughts too. Leave a comment if you'd like.