Plan B
by Mark on Jun.27, 2010, under Faith
The first book I read on my new Kindle was Plan B by Pete Wilson. When I was looking for a book to download, the title and description piqued my interest. But I have to be honest, taking advice from a 30 something made me take pause.
I know Pete only through Twitter. We’ve even exchanged a couple of tweets. I have great respect for him as a father, Pastor and church planter but me being 51 years of age, was thinking what could a young Pastor know about my Plan B? Maybe more than I thought. . . .
The book allows the reader to take a look at the bad and unplanned events that happen in our lives that derail our plans. Things such as illness, job loss, divorce, and heartbreak that make us question, is God really watching over me? Why am I going through this pain? Did I do something wrong and now I’m being punished? I need a new plan. I need Plan B.
Do you know those people that everything just seems to go right? It seems they’ve never been faced with any challenge or heartbreak? They are the ones on Facebook that post after their vacation trip to the Bahamas, “God is good.” It makes those of us who are facing problems in our families, jobs, or health just want to puke.
I can remember shortly after our son Tate was born with Down’s Syndrome, sitting in a Sunday School class when one of these pompous asses actually said, “bad things happen in people’s families when they have sin in their life.” I didn’t know what to call it then, but Stacie and I had started Plan B. We’ve actually had several Plan B’s in our lives over the years.
Has your life turned out just as you planned? Have you faced disappointments that don’t make sense and make you question if God really watches over the little people? Have you had to adjust your life plans now that X has happened in your life? If this is you, give Plan B a try. It won’t solve your problems but it will give you reflection and understanding. It may even make you think that God may love us Plan B’rs best of all!
Pete Wilson is the teaching Pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He blogs at WithoutWax.tv.
June 27th, 2010 on 5:19 pm
Thanks for writing the first paragraph. I really like everything I know about Pete Wilson, but honestly, it’s really difficult to hear a pastor talk about plan b when it really looks like he is living plan a. The dude has started two thriving churches, has a great family, is skinny and has perfect hair. I am not trying to say that he hasn’t faced his fair share of trials along the way, BUT I wonder if he could write some of the things he said had he faced a little more adversity. As for me, I am doing my best to give up on plans and am just really trying to trust God with what He has entrusted to me today and being content with the life He has given me.
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June 27th, 2010 on 10:55 pm
I get it Nolan. I totally understand where you’re coming from. My life is blessed. But I think you and I both know that pastoring growing churches and having a fantastic family doesn’t protect you from a life full of Plan B’s. From a broken family to dealing with the disappointment of losing a child I’ve faced my share of shattered dreams.
Despite all of this I’m still quite thankful for the life God has blessed me with.
Knowing I lack wisdom in certain areas of my life I tried really hard to draw from the experiences of others as well as the infinite wisdom of Scriptures to make this book work.
Sounds like you’re headed in the right direction. Praying for your next steps.
Thanks for the review Mark. Glad you enjoyed the book. Honored to be your first on the Kindle.
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June 28th, 2010 on 8:20 am
Pete, just want to remind you that I am a huge fan of yours and I really enjoyed your book and wrote a very positive review of Plan B on it’s release day. I really appreciate your follow up comments. You have great wisdom and compassion and I don’t care about whether you are 30 or 60. I also don’t believe you have to walk a huge number of difficult roads to understand how to help others navigate their own. My problem is that I have spent the last several years stuck in Plan Z. I really used to think that God had a special plan for me but I am to the point that I wonder if His plan for me is to be a normal guy. I really hate to sound like a cynic but that’s where I’m coming from. Again I am a fan of yours, your church and feel your book is much needed. Sorry my initial comment way not have reflected all of that.
I r
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June 28th, 2010 on 10:22 pm
Thanks Pete for responding! I loved the book and it came at a perfect time in my life.
Nolan, I think you’re selling yourself short. Your Starbuck’s pastoring is sometimes the only encouragement I get during the week. You may not be where YOU want to be but you ARE where many people need you. God is using you brother.
I love both you guys and appreciate both of you for playing a part in my life.
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