Pivoting Plans

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV).

I grew up playing basketball. One of the most important techniques you learn at a very young age is how to pivot. It requires you to keep one foot in place on the floor while rotating your hips to change the direction you’re facing. This move facilitates the ability to create space, change direction to make a pass, or reposition yourself before you begin dribbling.

Basketball is a very active game. Players are constantly moving, and success hinges upon a player’s ability to react and make smart decisions in response to unexpected changes. Learning to pivot is a necessary skill, and one I became very good at throughout the course of my career.

It’s a skill I’m still working to hone in my daily life. As in the game of basketball, things often don’t go according to plan. We make plans, but the reality in life is that changing environments, shifting schedules, and unexpected crises all interfere. How do we learn to pivot well in our walk with Christ? Proverbs 16:9 says: 

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

When we lean into this truth, we are reminded that the Lord determines our steps, and only then can we begin to pivot well with Christ. Just as we’re required to keep one foot planted in basketball, we are called to keep our hearts planted and rooted in Christ as we walk with Him. Colossians 2:6-7 reminds us of this truth: 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

This verse of Scripture, often represented by an image of a tree with deep roots, is an excellent reminder of the importance of remaining rooted in Christ. When this is true of our hearts, a pivot in plans has less of an ability to throw us completely off course. Instead, we can lean into the Lord, and trust that His plans, even when they require us to pivot, are always best.  

Last weekend I was supposed to be in Oregon. I was really looking forward to meeting my editor turned friend, in person, for the first time, but unfortunately, the Lord had other plans. Due to an unexpected schedule change, she was no longer able to accommodate my visit. 

Learning to keep my life and heart rooted in Christ allows me to respond well. While I still hope to visit Oregon in the future, instead of staying stuck in disappointment, I was able to remind myself that the Lord’s plans are always best. When we trust the Lord, and keep our hearts deeply rooted in His love, this lends itself to a content heart, and an abundant life with Christ.