Sometimes, through no fault of our own, our lives take a different turn than what we had expected. Our first reaction may be to groan, “Why me? Why now?”
Often our first reaction is negative because we’re faced with the fact that we’re not in control. Sometimes that’s even why God sends the “redirects”—to show us that, ultimately, He is the One in control.
I faced a situation like this once. I received some unexpected news that made me feel like the ground beneath my feet had suddenly given way. The family I had been working with for the past four years informed me that they would be returning to Europe in a month. I was welcome to stay in the house for the next two months, but after that, the contract was up. I felt I was on shaky ground with nowhere to live and no one to work with.
As I stood at an intersection, waiting for the light to turn green, I kept pondering this unexpected turn of events in my life. Then as I asked the Lord, “Why? What now, Lord?” an overwhelming awareness of God’s presence flooded my soul. A Bible verse came to my mind, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” 1.
I smiled and breathed deeply. No matter what lay ahead, I knew God was with me. He had a plan for my life and, regardless of my current circumstances, He was going to work everything out.
Looking back now, four years later, I know that verse came true in my life. I’m in a better situation now than I was back then. God knew it was time for a “redirect” in my life, and He never failed me. He directed the change and got me through. All I had to do was turn my life over to Him, once again. As a result, my life was better. It was a bend in the road—not the end! From my own experience, I can honestly say that the future is as bright as the promises of God.
- Jeremiah 29:11 NIV ↑