When Things Don't Go the Way You ExpectEsimerkki

"How Did I Get Here?"

You and I may find ourselves stunned by something that has happened, but nothing ever surprises God. I was really surprised to find myself a widow at 37, the single parent of two teenage boys, and the senior pastor of our church.

Maybe you’re asking, “How did I get here? This is not what I expected my life to look like!” I understand. My plan (or the way I thought my life was going to be) got blown out of the water when my husband died, but God’s plan did not.

He’s gone on to work that plan and purpose in my life and the lives of my sons. It has turned out far better than anything we could have imagined or worked out ourselves. All three of us are serving God with all our hearts and working in ministry. We’ve all gotten married, and now they’re raising kids of their own. God has been so faithful to help us continue in His plan for our lives despite what we lost.

Second Timothy 1:9 declares that God has “saved us and called us with a holy calling.” Every Christian is called to live a godly life, be a witness, grow up spiritually, walk in love with our brothers and sisters, and produce the fruit of the Spirit. You have an individual calling specific to your gifts and desires.

The calling of God doesn’t change because something happens (or doesn’t happen). It doesn’t change because something didn’t happen the way we thought it would. God sticks with a plan. Nothing derails Him.

Romans 11:29 says, “God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded” (msg). Never! His call on your life is still the same, even after disappointment or heartbreak. It might not look like you expected, but it can be even better if you keep believing Him.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Before you were born, God knew what you would be and do. He prepared good works for you—things for you to be and do.

Be encouraged—keep being and doing what God has given you to be and do. Don’t let the hard things, hurts, and disappointments become more familiar to you than your purpose.