08/20/2026
The Plans We Make
That gleaming, ruby-red Lexus convertible with the top down was impossible to miss as it blasted down the interstate. The message silently conveyed to the world was one of confidence and status. Reinforcement of the powerful aura came via the vanity license plate: NCHARGE.
Those seven letters capture the deep desire of countless people. Folks desperately long to be in charge – of their life or career, their finances or relationships. There is an undeniable allure to charting our own course in life instead of feeling like the deckhand on someone else’s ship. We want – we strive – to be NCHARGE.
Tommy Crumrine felt that pull. A move to Florida is the logical step if your heart’s desire is to be a teaching golf pro. He took that leap of faith one March. His plan was solid and straightforward: play golf for two months. Get acquainted with the Sunshine State’s golfing world. Network and make connections. Land the job.
But sometimes our plans don’t quite work. Tommy threw out his back during his first golf match and then couldn’t play for three months. So much for demonstrating your skills to prospective employers. He called and emailed the general managers at various golf courses. Only one responded. No job.
The country club interview didn’t produce a job. Mounting concern moved in as his constant companion. September arrived, and, thankfully, so did a job offer on Tuesday. That same offer was withdrawn on Friday because of a hiring freeze. Concern was promptly evicted. Desperation filled the vacancy.
The position between a rock and a hard place gets awfully uncomfortable. Tommy finally got a job – as a roofing salesman. Hardly the career kids grow up dreaming about, and definitely not the position Tommy longed for. The only bright spot was the much-needed income to help support his family.
March came around again, and this broken man was ready to surrender control. His plans had failed, so Tommy prayed…and prayed…and prayed still more. “Lord, I need help. Lord, I need YOUR help.”
God has an answer for us, if we will just listen. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Trust in the Lord. Wait for directions. Wait for the Lord. Just. Wait. At the end of the month, a job popped up. Tommy’s old mentor recommended him for the position, and he was hired at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jacksonville.
Occasionally, God reminds us who really is NCHARGE. After getting the job, Tommy saw the resumes of the others who had applied. He was stunned to discover those applicants had far more experience than he did. “Why me, Lord?” is the typical question. Jehovah reassures us with a comforting answer: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” (Romans 8:28)
Blessings,
Rev. Van Richmond
Pastor
