God's plan or my plan?

1 Corinthians 16:8-9  "But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door of effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."

Paul changed his travel and ministry plans when he recognized God opening another door for him elsewhere.  Paul had intended to leave Ephesus for Corinth, but recognized that there was still work to be done and that God had presented him with additional ministry opportunities.

It would have been easy for Paul to ignore or overlook these opportunities in favor of his own plans.  We often become a slave to our plans and don't ask or respond to God's plans.  Staying in close contact with God and constantly seeking His will can help us not blindly follow our own plans. 

When we see doors open or opportunities presented that don't fit within our plans, we also have a duty of obedience to respond.  As is stated in my daily devotional book, "God writes opportunity on one side of the door, and responsibility on the other." 

Staying sensitive to God's promptings, recognizing opportunities He provides, and responding in an obedient manner are how we can constantly align our plans with God's plans.