A plan for it all…
I watched a video where the creator stated, “Often we confuse the phrase; it’s all a part of God’s plan, "versus" God has a plan for it all.”
I immediately paused my scroll to listen to the rest because I too, have been challenged by this common misconception in the church.
I recall a nurse saying to me during our infertility and miscarriage journey, “Well, this must be part of God’s plan...”
The words intended to provide comfort were anything but… They did little to mend my brokenness at that moment.
Somewhere along the way I began to understand that although this heartbreaking reality was ours to navigate, God had a plan to use it. He had a purpose for that season and we now share our experience to bring hope to others.
Ryan and I have found that when we are intentional in our pursuit of God’s plan, we begin to see clearly how any roadblock can be used for our good.
We can’t help but marvel and say “Lord, thank you…”
Thank you for changing our hearts. Thank you for softening us. Thank you for molding us. Thank you for making us more like you. Thank you, Lord, for your provision and protection.
I vividly remember the month of May 2019. Ryan and I huddled together on our couch, night after night, desperately seeking God’s will. We wholeheartedly believed we were living squarely in His plan for our future. Despite our efforts, our reality continued to unravel.
Our relationships were suffering. Our ministry was crumbling. We could see no way out. We prayed and prayed and prayed until our knees ached, and our eyes were puffy from tears.
Nevertheless, as I sit in that very spot, six years removed from the trial, I can confidently say God had a plan for it all.
He had a plan to strengthen our marriage.
He had a plan to stretch and grow us beyond our comfort zone.
He had a plan to increase our compassion for those who experience church hurt.
He had a plan to expand our vision and approach to ministry.
He had a plan to provide clarity and purpose as we stepped into a new direction.
Perhaps today you’re reading this thinking, why would a good God allow such heartbreak, trials, and overall suffering?
I’ll be honest, that’s a question I’ve wrestled with many times along the way. But maybe we need to shift our perspective and begin asking, Lord, how are you going to use this for my good?
Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose".
This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about good for those who love Him and are called according to His plan.
When you’re wandering the desert, you often have a hard time seeing anything but desolation and pain.
You can’t recognize the goodness of God.
But our job isn’t to see the entire picture. We have to simply surrender and release control.
With the perspective shift, we can lift a prayer, “Lord, I don’t understand, but I believe that you can and will use this for my good.”
How am I so confident? Because we are living proof of God’s ability to use all of life’s trials to create something beautiful out of brokenness.
So the next time somebody says to you, well, it must be God’s plan… I encourage you to counter with, perhaps, but I am certain of one thing;
God has a plan for it all!
