When God Writes the Plot Twist: Unexpected Turns, Unchanging Purpose

Sometimes we have an idea of the plan. We see certain things starting to happen, and we decide we have everything figured out from here. We start building from the small glimpses he gives us, but that is only a fraction. He lets down the rope just enough for us to trust him and rely on him. For example, we pray and ask God for favor or guidance, and we are confident that it will work out just as we think it should. We slowly begin to see things changing and shifting in what we believe is the right direction, and we feel great! However, something unexpected occurs, seemingly taking a turn in the wrong direction. Now we find ourselves second-guessing our entire purpose.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

God doesn’t always take the expected route to the destination. Actually, I think in most instances, he won’t. How could he get the glory out of doing the expected? God is God because of his power and ability to do the unimaginable.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Out of selfishness, we believe that God does stuff simply for our own satisfaction and comfort, but that is not his number one priority.  The benefits that we receive are a byproduct of God’s grace. When God works in our lives, it is always to point back to his goodness and for HIS overall plan. Unfortunately, for some reason, our culture has shifted into this “me” first stance, which has also affected how we see God. We have begun to view him as secondary to ourselves (in other words, we have made ourselves into an idol).

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

Sometimes, we believe that one way makes sense, so it must be the right way. We believe that what we see is the best option and must be the way that God will move. But our view only goes so far, while God’s view can see all things. He knows what is up ahead and what may cause us to stumble or land in a place of sin and rebellion. That is why we must always listen for His voice and follow His instructions, because He knows what’s best. The easy route isn’t always what is good for us.

In Numbers 22, we see the story of Balaam and his donkey, which is a moment when God used something completely unexpected to redirect and protect Balaam. Balaam was following God’s instructions to follow the people to Balak, and God had given him specific instructions to go but only speak what God said.  The Lord saw the temptation in his heart to chase the riches Balak had promised. So, while in route, God used the interaction between the angel and the donkey to keep him from destruction. What seemed like an inconvenience or delay was actually God’s protection. God will do whatever it takes to keep us aligned with His will. (Numbers 22: 1-35)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

While sometimes it may seem like the road ahead is long or not as we expected, God is always working things out BOTH around us and within us. Our flesh is laser-focused on the end goal, but God wants to make sure we are prepared for what’s ahead. Along the journey, God wants to make sure we pick up what we need and lose the things that will hold us back.

Also, to assume we know God’s plans is to put God in a box. In this season of my life, I have seen God provide and show up in ways that don’t really even make sense to the normal person. I imagined this year to look different, but somehow God has re-shifted things to still come out beautifully, but in a way that I was not expecting.  God in his entirety is greater than anything our thoughts can conjure up. Our minds are so finite in comparison to his infinite wisdom.

But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9

 So, this is just a reminder that things may look unclear, and you may start to question if God is really paying attention, but don’t fret friend! Those unexpected turns and twists are all still a part of His plan. Trust that God is still moving you towards the next step in the journey. It may look scary, but follow his lead.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

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