Unexpected and Unwanted Callings

Written by Danielle King

Have you ever had your plans changed unexpectedly? Who hasn’t? Do you wish you could keep all your plans just the way you make them? Who wouldn’t? There’s nothing like a well-laid-out plan, along with a well-laid-out result, to help us feel the security of being in control. 

Like most of us, I definitely appreciate the security of being in control. I am a planner. Always have been. Plan for marriage. Plan for family. Plan for career. Plan for life. But what happens when the deep-rooted trunk holding the branches of this life is unexpectedly split. Stillness in marriage changed. Family’s emotions strained. Entirety of career ended. Direction of life completely and utterly changed. A UTV accident left me in the hospital for two weeks and without my dominant hand. The path I had thought was ahead of me was gone. Suddenly, my wants and desires I had through the years were shrouded by needs that I never thought I would have. I had never felt such a tremendous need for my husband, my family, my friends, and my God. The emotional and physical pain was almost too much to bear. The new path felt hopeless. I wanted to give up.

That path I have been on this last year and a half has definitely been bumpy. Not nearly as smooth as the one I thought I’d be traveling. I’ve had some smooth spots, to be sure, but these new needs and struggles have left my heart aching much more often than I had planned for. But along with all the new, emotionally draining frustrations I’ve been feeling, I’ve noticed something else. Well, I like to think I’ve been shown something else. These eighteen months have brought tears and pain, but also new relationships and bonds. I’ve turned to crying and anger, but also prayer and friends. I’ve needed doctors and family, but also strength and God.

We don’t all share the same kinds of struggles and pain. But we do share the same fallen world. And as His children, we share the same faithful and loving God, who wants to bring us closer to Him. And He is so loving, that He is willing to stir us up sometimes to get us there. And when we hit one or some of those rough spots on whichever path we happen to be on, God may be preparing you to be used to stir up and comfort someone else who is on a similar path you are on, just a bit behind you.

So I would like to encourage you, when you are enduring that unexpected path change, today or someday, to turn to God and prayer and family and friends and anyone else who is willing to hop in for the ride. Ask God to help you see some of the ways He is working through the struggle. To see how your new needs are bringing about new bonds and relationships; new reliances upon God’s provision and grace; new strength, character, and faith. God knows, as we often forget, that tribulation for His children is what ultimately brings us to Him, to clearer vision of His glory, and ultimately to true Christian strength and joy.

P.S.-Here’s a song that I’ve listened to, almost daily, that has given me comfort, reminding me of how good and faithful God is to carry me through those tough times. I pray it might remind you of how you are loved, and are being carried through both the good times and the bad, and how God is right now, and always, preparing you to receive His joy and to stand in the presence of His glory.

Goodness Of God (Lyrics) ~ Bethel Music