When God’s Plan Looks Different Than Yours

D E V O T I O N A L

When God’s Plan Looks Different Than Yours

I let out a deep sigh, staring at the closed door in front of me.

"This wasn’t how it was supposed to go."

I had prayed. Planned. Pictured the outcome in my mind so many times that I was sure it was what God wanted too. But here I was—faced with an answer I didn’t want. A path I hadn’t expected. A reality that felt nothing like the dream I had been holding onto.

Ever been there?

Ever found yourself at the edge of a broken plan, standing in the ruins of what should have been?

Maybe you thought that relationship would last. Maybe you were sure you’d get that job. Maybe you stepped out in faith, only to feel like the ground disappeared beneath you.

I get it. And I know the questions that come next.

"Did I hear God wrong?"
"Did I mess it up?"
"Does He even see me right now?"

But here’s what I’m learning—God’s plan isn’t just a bigger version of my own. It’s something altogether different. And just because I don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it isn’t good.

• Joseph never planned to be betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned—yet God was positioning him to save a nation.

• Esther never imagined she’d be taken from her home to become a queen—but God was setting her up to rescue her people.

• Mary never expected to carry the Son of God—but her surrendered yes changed the course of eternity.

God’s plans rarely make sense in the moment. But they are always good.

And maybe—just maybe—this detour isn’t a mistake. Maybe it’s the very thing God is using to lead you somewhere better.

So if you’re staring at a closed door, wondering why things turned out this way, let me remind you:

You are not lost.
You are not forgotten.
You are being led.

One step at a time. Even when you don’t understand.

Much Love & Blessings,

Ramzi 

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E N C O U R A G E M E N T - I N - A C T I O N

Family Corner 

Teaching Kids to Trust God’s Timing: Children struggle with waiting—whether it’s for a birthday, a treat, or an answer to prayer. They want what they want now. (Sound familiar?)

This week, talk to your kids about a time when you had to trust God’s timing. Maybe you prayed for something and didn’t get it—only to realize later that God had something better. Help them see that waiting isn’t wasted time—it’s preparation.

Try this: Before bed, ask your kids, “What’s something you’re waiting for?” Then pray together, asking God for patience and trust.

Relationship Insight

When Expectations Don’t Match Reality: Ever had a plan for your life that your spouse or loved ones didn’t see eye to eye on? Maybe they supported you, but things still didn’t turn out how you both hoped. Maybe disappointment led to tension.

Instead of blaming each other, take a step back. Invite God into the situation.

This week, sit down with your spouse, a friend, or a trusted mentor and talk about a time when things didn’t go as planned. Ask, “How did God show up in the unexpected?” Sometimes, hindsight brings clarity that the moment doesn’t.

Mental Health Minute

Letting Go of Control
Holding onto our plans too tightly can lead to anxiety and frustration. When life doesn’t go as expected, it’s easy to feel like everything is falling apart.

But maybe… what feels like falling apart is actually falling into place.

Try this:

1. Write down something you’ve been trying to control.

2. Pray over it—honestly. Tell God how hard it is to let go.

3. Now—here’s the hard part—surrender it. Lay it down. And when worry creeps in, remind yourself that God is in control, not you.

His plan is always greater than our worry.

Financial Wisdom

Trusting God in Unexpected Changes
Sometimes, financial plans don’t unfold the way we expect—job losses, unexpected bills, or a sudden shift in income can shake our sense of security.

But what if financial peace isn’t about more money—but more trust?

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty.”

Even in tight seasons, trusting God with our finances is an act of faith.

Steps to Apply:

• Pray before making financial decisions. Before spending or stressing, ask for wisdom.

• Make a plan. Even small steps toward stewardship can bring peace.

• Give generously. It sounds backward, but when we give (even when it’s hard), we acknowledge that God is our provider.

Trusting God in finances isn’t easy—but He is faithful.

Closing Inspiration

Maybe this isn’t the path you planned. Maybe you’re staring at a roadblock, wondering where to go next.

But trust me—this is not the end of your story. God is working in ways you can’t see yet. And one day, you’ll look back and realize:

The detour was leading you somewhere better all along.

Hold on. Keep walking. His plan is still on track.