How well do you deal with unexpected changes to your plans? I don’t do so well. I like to make a plan and stick to it. Often, that doesn’t work. I’m learning that I need to be willing to see my plans change. Sometimes these changes are small, and sometimes they’re big.

Last month, I had a plan for the last day of the Evangelical Press conference. It was sidetracked during lunch when I bit into my salad and a tooth cracked. I missed lunch and two conference sessions right after lunch to visit a local dentist. Then, I had to change my schedule back home. A few days ago, I saw my dentist in Orlando and learned I’ll need a root canal. That will use another half day that I planned to use differently. These are small changes that I can make easily.  

But I’ve also been thinking about big changes. Our Sunday School class is studying the Book of Acts. The way faith is lived out completely changed when Jesus died, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and then sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in his followers.

Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in my own life dramatically changed my life as a college student. At church camp between my seventh and eighth grade years, I’d developed a more personal faith in Jesus. My faith grew through the next six years thanks to involvement in church and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

But while I knew that my faith was real, there was little difference in my day to day life. As a college student, I became involved in Cru, and began to understand the role of the Holy Spirit. Two things I learned still influence me today.

• First, the Holy Spirit dwells in everyone who accepts Christ. “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him” (Romans 8:9, English Standard Version).
• Second, while the Holy Spirit dwells in me, I can give Him control of my life or chose to go my own way. I make this decision day-to-day or even moment-by-moment. As one bible study leader put it, I get to decide if the Holy Spirit is a resident, or the president of my life.

It’s amazing to study Acts and see those first followers of Jesus go from fearfully huddling in a room to boldly proclaiming the message of the risen Savior to the world. I want to face the world with that kind of faith. And I want to face my own shortcomings with the Holy Spirit’s power.

Sometimes, want to lean on what I learned as a print publication writer and editor for 30 years. But as we show the love of Jesus online, I have to change. While there are lessons we can carry forward, we also need to change for this new platform and for upcoming generations. I need to rely on the Holy Spirit to make these changes, too.  

Over the last year and a half, we’ve changed a lot of plans due to Anne Marie’s health. We’re grateful for your prayers for her. She’s doing well after a medical infusion last week. Another infusion is planned for next week. Please keep praying for reduced pain and increased mobility.

Sincerely in Christ, Mark, for the Winz family