Right Where I Was Supposed to Be
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28
It was not the season I had always dreamt about. A quiet room, tears streaming down my face, no job or husband — this was not my ideal year.
I had been seeing a counselor for several months, and she was encouraging me to apply for jobs. I would get excited, think about where I’d like to apply, and then something would get me off track. Whether emotions, circumstances, or big life events changed things, I was not doing what I was “supposed to” be doing. I was not living the independent adult life that we both thought I should be living.
There is a verse in Proverbs that I have thought about recently: “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Though I had been making plans for the future, hoping that I would have a job and get back “on track,” when things seemed to fall through, I realized God had other—perfect—plans.
That year, my mother broke her arm. I cared for her and helped her through the weeks she was unable to care for herself physically. It was a growing time in our relationship dynamic, and she was also able to be more present, as I’d just gotten divorced and needed the emotional support.
Months later, my grandmother became ill. With late nights in the ER, days of waiting in hospital rooms for a physician’s report, eating cafeteria food on the daily—it finally hit me. If I’d had a job, I would not have been able to be with her like this. I would not be able to stay in her room all day and help her.
As I considered these things, I knew God had called me to this, that this was His will, to take care of my grandmother, my family. I had this newfound understanding that God had put me in the right place at the right time—I was right where I was supposed to be all along.
Those days turned into months, and hospital rooms turned into hospice care. With long hours of sitting and doing nothing but being there, I remember being restless. Things still were not as expected, and I was getting frustrated by the amount of money I was spending on eating out. A friend told me I would not regret the time I spent with my grandmother. It was hard to see then, but on the other side of things, I understand now. After Easter, my grandmother went to Heaven. I was thankful for the provision God had given me with time and finances during this season.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
In Romans, Paul says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). When I reflect on the year of what seemed like disappointments as far as career and life goals, I realize God had something else in mind. I was able to be present for my family and their needs. God worked together the hard times to bring about something good.
Is there a situation in your life that seems like a disappointment or where your expectations are not quite lining up with what you’re experiencing? Can you see where God is working something out for good? Sometimes, I find it’s in the unexpected. It may be in the “bru-tiful” (brutal yet beautiful), as my friend, Mallory, puts it.
In Psalms 139:16, David says, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” This scripture comforts me that God already knows what my life will look like, what life events or challenges may come up, and what joyful moments I will experience. It encourages me to trust in Him. How can this passage comfort you, that every day of your life is already known to God? Let this understanding draw you into deeper trust and intimacy with Him.
Further Reading:
Proverbs 16:9
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalms 139:16
Philippians 4:19
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/m-gucci
Lauren Fletcher is a freelance writer and artist who currently resides in the Richmond, Virginia area. She sings and loves to do mission work and scripture art. She is passionate about being vulnerable, the power of the Gospel, and the Word of God. Lauren likes to write about what God is teaching her through her own life and share this with others. You can typically find her at her church’s café, drinking coffee and fellowshipping with friends.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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