by Melissa Sharp
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Sometimes our best plans fall apart. I recently read a story with the headline: “Helen Schlachtenhaufen Was a Contender for the World Championship Team. A Bloody Fall Dashed Her Hopes.” It told of a runner who, on the final lap of the women’s 1500 meters at the U.S. Championships, was poised to unleash her kick when disaster struck. In an instant, she slammed to the track chin-first, watching her dream of qualifying for the World Athletics Championships vanish. Afterward, she reflected:
“One moment I was running, and then the next moment I was on the ground. [G]oing into this race, I felt probably the most confident I have in a while. That’s part of why it stings so much.”
Life often happens that way, doesn’t it?
We map out our course with confidence, expecting to see our plans fulfilled. But Scripture reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” At first, that truth can sting like Schlachtenhaufen’s fall. Yet, when we pause, we realize it’s a gift.
God sees the entire race, not just the stretch in front of us.
He knows what we need, when we’ll need it, and how it will shape us. Often, His divine redirection comes through disappointment, loss, or unexpected detours. These aren’t accidents. They are God’s way of shifting us from our limited path to His higher one, building in us a Christlike character that hindsight alone makes clear. The prophet Isaiah records God’s voice declaring:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8–9
So, when your plans collapse, or your confidence is shaken, don’t lose heart. The sting won’t last when you are willing to pivot and rest in the truth that God’s ways are better than yours. God’s plan is always wiser, fuller, and richer than the one you would have chosen.
Trust God as He directs your steps.
Reflection Thought
If you’re in the middle of a setback, are you willing to surrender everything to Christ so He can turn it into victory? If not, identify why not and ask yourself if it’s worth it. Can you do life better without God at the helm?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that Your plans are always better than ours. When we don’t understand why our plans fail, teach us to trust You fully. Help us lean on Your wisdom instead of our own, and let our confidence rest in Your perfect direction. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
