Didn’t See That Comin’
Well now, scoot up closer in a rocker and get comfy, ’cause the Lord’s handed you a brand‑new page today, clean as a skillet your mama only pretends she doesn’t use for cornbread, and you know God loves a plot twist. He writes stories the way church ladies make casseroles: tossin’ in mystery ingredients and somehow it still blesses everybody at the potluck.
Now look right here for a minute. Is God usin’ you the way you thought He would? Go on, be honest. Some of us planned our lives like we were drawin’ blueprints for the Taj Mahal, and God said, “Sweetheart, we’re buildin’ a treehouse today.”
Take Paul, formerly Saul, if Heaven had a hiring committee, they’d have looked at his résumé: Hebrew of Hebrews, trained by the best, knew the Law like your busy body neighbor knows everybody’s business, and they’d have hollered, “Send him to the Jews!” But God leaned in with that divine grin and said exactly what He told Ananias in Acts 9:15, “He is My chosen instrument to carry My name to the Gentiles.” In other words, God must’ve just chuckled and said, “Nope. I’m sendin’ him where y’all least expect. I’m sendin’ him to the Gentiles.”
Well, that’s like takin’ a coonhound and tellin’ him, “Son, today you’re herdin’ butterflies.” Makes no earthly sense, but Paul didn’t pitch a fit or ask for a meeting with management. He just saluted and got movin’.
Now here’s where it gets personal. Some of us are sittin’ around complainin’ like we’re whittlin’ on the wrong end of the stick. You trained for one thing, but God keeps nudgin’ you toward somethin’ that feels about as familiar as a possum in a prom dress. You thought you’d be in business, but ministry keeps tappin’ your shoulder. You planned one career, but God keeps swingin’ doors open in another direction.
Listen, friend, quit tryin’ to rope God’s plan like it’s a runaway calf. Paul could’ve spent his whole life beggin’ God to send him to the Jews. Instead, he embraced the unexpected, and the world’s still feelin’ the aftershocks.
God’s plan may not match your preferences or your tidy little blueprint, but it’ll always be better, bigger, wiser, and richer.
Lord, thank You for craftin’ a purpose wiser than anything I could dream up. Clear my mind, steady my steps, and help me follow You even when the path feels twisty. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Now stand up, dust off your britches, and step forward. God chose you (John 15:16), and He’s got somethin’ mighty fine planned up ahead with your name written all over it!
With joy,
Gwen
