“And he entered into one of the ships… and taught the people out of the ship.”
— Luke 5:3
I want to share a simple thought—one that’s been helpful to me lately. It came from a book I’ve been reading, and it centers on an important principle: flexibility.
Flexibility can be difficult, especially if you’re someone who values structure. Schedules. Plans. Routines. I appreciate all of those things. I orient much of my life around habits and schedules, and I believe they are helpful and even necessary for productivity.
But there is also something we must learn alongside discipline.
When the Plan Changes
In Luke chapter 5, Jesus is by the Sea of Gennesaret. The crowd is pressing in on Him as He teaches—so much so that it becomes difficult for Him to continue.
From a human standpoint, this may not have been how the moment was supposed to unfold.
But Jesus has His eyes open.
He notices the ships nearby. He steps into one, pushes out a little from the shore, and continues teaching from the boat. The purpose is still accomplished—just in a different way than expected.
That moment reminds us of something important: flexibility allows the mission to continue when circumstances change.
Obey the Schedule—But Leave Room
Life works this way for all of us. We may have our day mapped out carefully, but one phone call can change everything. One interruption can redirect the plan.
The challenge is not to abandon discipline—but to adapt without losing purpose.
We obey our schedule, but we leave room for flexibility.
We hold to our goals, but we adjust our approach.
We keep moving forward, even when the path shifts.
A Simple Prayer
The Lord Himself modeled this kind of wisdom. And many who have accomplished what God set before them did so not just through discipline—but through flexibility.
May God help us grow in this area.
To be structured—but not rigid.
Planned—but not stubborn.
Faithful—but adaptable.
And when the moment changes, may we still accomplish the purpose God has placed before us.
