Not As Planned

Life events sometime take us by surprise and don’t turn out not as planned. Days begin uneventful enough, just as we think they should. No ripples … no bumps in the road. Smooth sailings all the way.

Then …

Then … out of nowhere, something happens to change the trajectory forever. It’s touched several.  Joni Eareckson-Tada dove into shallow water and broke her neck, and found herself a quadriplegic. At the height of his popularity, Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio. When fourteen year old Bethany Hamilton took her surfboard to catch a few waves, she was attacked by a shark and lost her arm.

When tragedy happens, our lives–and faith–can be rocked.  How could a loving God let this happen? Why did this happen to me?

How could a loving God let this happen? Why did this happen to me?

Tragedy

Tragedy visits us all. It either already has … you may be facing a tragedy now … or tragedy is waiting around for you … it helps to remember the heart of God. His word says:

• He knew us before we were born (“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13).
• That he has plans for us (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11).
• But most importantly, it’s okay if we don’t understand (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8).

Consider …

Joni, FDR and Bethany were all visited with life-changing tragedies. Yet if asked, they often said they were blessed beyond measure. It might not have been their plan, but God gave them enough grace, mercy, and blessings to travel their journey.

If you’re taking a journey you didn’t plan, God has enough grace, mercy, and blessings for you, too.

How could a loving God let this happen? What did did I do wrong? This is not as I planned. Why did this happen to me? Share on X

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.