For the Faithful
Flexibility
Adapting to unexpected challenges with composure
Our current faith‑based resources are written from a Christian perspective, but we know that many other faith traditions also nurture strong character, and we want to honor and uplift that diversity.
We are actively seeking contributors from additional faith traditions who would like to help us expand this section. If you are interested, we would be grateful to partner with you.
Flexibility helps believers adapt to God’s leading and changing needs.
When we adjust with grace, ministry remains effective and relationships stay strong. Flexibility reflects humility and trust.
Essay
Tell God your Own Plans
By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister, guest columnist
There is the old saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your own plans for the future.” You see, God may have other plans for you. In the Old Testament book of Judges, we read about a man named Gideon. In the days of Gideon, the Midianites were invading the land of Israel with a large army of men and camels. Gideon was called upon to raise an army and drive out the Midianites. Gideon had his own plan and soon raised an army of 32,300 men. However, this was not God’s plan for Gideon. God told Gideon he had too many men and to send home 32,000 men. This left only 300 men to face a great army. Yet, with just three hundred men, the Midianite army fled the country in confusion and fear and never returned.
It is easy to see that Gideon could have defied God’s plan and stubbornly clung to his own.
Common sense would have told Gideon that 32,000 men were needed to defeat another army of the same size. Although God’s plan worked, Gideon had to be flexible in his faith to make it
work. That is what this essay is about. Faith and flexibility do go together. It is perfectly
reasonable to make your plans for the future and, at the same time, be open to changing them as it becomes apparent that your plans and God’s plans for you are in different directions. Then,
having faith in God and God’s will for you, you change course.
Faithful people accept God’s new direction for their lives because they trust God. Instead
of being stubborn or resentful and going forward no matter what with their own plans, they accept the path God has for them and trust that God will make everything work out for the best. Like many of you, my life did not turn out exactly the way I planned. I have had many major changes in my life. I am still sorrowful about some of those changes, but I remain flexible and accept them. I am still here, and I am sure God is not through with me yet. I want to be flexible enough to follow God’s plan for my life, but every now and then, I make God laugh.
Affirmations for the Faithful
I trust God’s plan when things change unexpectedly.
I am calm in uncertainty, knowing Christ is my peace.
I am willing to listen to others, remembering we are one body in Christ.
I am learning to see my mistakes as a chance to grow in faith.
I am adaptable because the Lord renews my spirit daily.
Flexibility Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources, like activities, reflections, and visuals you can use personally or in your faith organization to encourage the Character Quality of Flexibility.
Flexibility Verses
Want to deepen your understanding of Flexibility through Scripture? Explore our collection of Flexibility Bible Verses for inspiration and reflection.
