Frederick Robertson had his life planned out. He expected to enter the British Army and become an officer just as his father had been.

He grew up in forts and army headquarters and loved watching the soldiers drill and prepare for battle.

But his hopes were bitterly dashed when, despite an excellent academic record, he was left off the list for commissioning of new officers.

Instead, Robertson went to Oxford and trained for the ministry. He became a pastor in Brighton, England, for many years, and he touched the lives of many.

God had a different position in mind for Frederick Robertson.

Often our plans do not coincide with what God has in mind, and he steps in to direct us toward a different path.

It is vital that we view these setbacks properly. Some people become bitter and disillusioned when God closes a door that they wanted opened.

Yet his wisdom and knowledge far exceed our own, and he knows what is best both for our lives and for his work.

We must be willingly submitted to the direction of God, even when it is not what we would prefer.

It is easy for us to trust God when things are going well. And it is not difficult to accept a closed door if we readily see an alternate path before us.

Real faith trusts God even when the closed door seems final. He knows what is best, and we must trust His plan.

Call the church at 765-778-2000 or email [email protected] for more details.

Hargis is pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church in Pendleton.