My plans for an important research collaboration just fell through, and I feel lost. Was there a moment in the Satcharita where devotees' plans were disrupted, only for a better solution to appear?

Yes, there is an incident in Chapter 51 that illustrates this very well. Madhavrao and Kakasaheb Dixit had planned to travel to Shirdi, but when they arrived at the station, they found the second-class train compartment was packed to capacity. Faced with this obstacle, their initial plan was disrupted, and they decided they would have to return and try again the next day. Just as they were gripped by worry, a better solution appeared unexpectedly. The train guard, who knew Dixit, showed up and arranged for them to sit in the first-class carriage, ensuring their journey could proceed happily.