Many of us enjoyed a well-deserved break with our families during the June school holidays. Our family of four was no different. We set off for Valencia, Spain, with hearts full of anticipation, flying from Singapore to Frankfurt before connecting to Valencia. In our excitement, however, we overlooked the one thing that mattered most – we failed to commit our journey to the Lord in prayer.
We landed in Frankfurt early that morning, only to discover that our connecting flight to Valencia had been cancelled because of a labour strike. Excitement quickly gave way to uncertainty, and uncertainty soon turned into frustration. The airline service counter was swamped with a long queue of weary travellers, all anxious to find another way to their destinations – and we were now among them.
Five hours later, we received the news we had dreaded. There were no more flights to Valencia that day. Instead, we would have to spend the night in Frankfurt, far from where we had intended to be and completely unprepared for the delay. The earliest available flight was the following morning, and even then, it would take us via Rome.
What should have been a 16-hour journey became a 30-hour one. By God’s grace, we finally arrived in Valencia a day later than planned, thankful simply to have reached our destination safely.
That evening, weary but reflective, we were reminded of Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
As a family, we prayed together, asking the Lord for journey mercies and smooth travels for the remainder of our trip, trusting Him to establish every step. And He did. From that point on, He granted us a wonderful holiday filled with joyful family moments, and He brought us safely home to Singapore with grateful hearts.
Looking back, we recognise this as God’s gentle reminder to commit our plans to Him before we set out. Whether it is our daily commute, an overseas holiday, an important presentation, or a career opportunity, so much can change in an instant. Yet our sovereign God faithfully directs the steps of those who trust Him.
May we cultivate the habit of bringing every plan before the Lord in prayer, trusting Him to lead us according to His perfect will.
Deacon Alvin Fu
