Since I was so sure of your understanding and trust, I wanted to give you a double blessing by visiting you twice— 16 first on my way to Macedonia and again when I returned from Macedonia. Then you could send me on my way to Judea.

17 You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? (New Living Translation)

Reading between the lines we can see that there are godly and ungodly ways to form plans; worldly and un-worldly ways. Paul’s critics were accusing him of what we might call a ‘secular’ approach to planning. They were also attacking his integrity, inferring that he spoke about of both sides of his mouth. Fundamentally, they were saying he was dishonest. Paul was concerned that in attacking him, the gospel itself might be discredited. This is why he sought so zealously to clear his name.

The truth is that in the real world, even the plans of those who seek God’s ways can be up-ended. That’s life! But if we want to be guided by God, we will be open to such divine adjustments and alterations to our plans. A way that seems right to us isn’t always God’s best. But those who genuinely desire to live under the Lordship of Christ, want Him to arrange their schedule.

‘Yes, choose the path for me, although I may not see the reason thou dost choose to lead me so…’