Our prayers for conformity to the image of Christ may not be answered exactly as we desire. We may be tested and proved, for God sees it best to put us under a course of discipline which is essential for us before we are fit subjects for the blessing we crave. We should not become discouraged and give way to doubt, and think that our prayers are not noticed. We should rely more securely upon Christ and leave our case with God to answer our prayers in His own way. God has not promised to bestow His blessings through the channels we have marked out. God is too wise to err and too regardful of our good to allow us to choose for ourselves. – Our Father Cares p 262

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not. – Jeremiah 33:3

I certainly have and have had plans for my life.  It’s frustrating when they don’t work out like I have planned.  But I can still see unpleasant experiences that I went through playing major roles in making me who I am today.  The journey is as important as the goal.  God doesn’t tell us the path he’s going to lead us by, because I don’t think we would follow!  Yet we can safely believe He has our best in mind, or can rescue the best out of bad situations we have been through.