At my first Children's Institute Dr. Guthrie surprised us all. He took a dinner plate and threw it on the ground, smashing it into tiny pieces. I don't remember the explanation he gave for it but latter on when we came back for large group assembly we saw that the pieces had been reassembled into a beautiful mosaic of a bird. He explained that often we think that we know what our lives will be used for. Then God allows our world to be shattered. That mosaic could not have been made if the plate had remained whole. Now it was worth much more than an old dinner plate.
This reminds me of the story of Joseph. God told him through a dream that he would be a ruler. Then he finds himself a slave in prison. That is exactly where God wanted him.
God took my life in some unexpected directons too. I am so glad He did. I wanted to be a doctor so I could help people. He took me out of college and sent me home. I wanted to stay in Russia, He sent me to Indianapolis and gave me a job helping troubled kids. I can't immagine my frustration if I was trying to get sick people to take their medicine now. God knows how to give us the desire of our hearts
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. ~Genesis 45:5
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God ment it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. ~Genesis 50:20
