Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “When am I going to get it together?” I know I have. But the older I get, the more I realize—it’s not really about my plan. It’s about God’s plan.
What does it truly mean to have your life “together”? Is it finding love, building a family, achieving success, being a good parent, or faithfully following God’s calling?
The world may say there’s a timeline for everything. Yet studies suggest most people don’t feel like they have it all figured out until around age 60. The truth is, there’s no magical age or switch that makes everything fall into place. Some people seem to follow a straight path from early on, while others don’t discover their direction until they’ve lived through a few twists and turns. And yet, through it all, God’s plan continues to unfold — patiently, purposefully, and perfectly.
My Life Plan
As people mature, they may change their goals or set new ones. Thus, instead of moving forward, their life paths may feel more like a spiraling mess. Then again, maybe that’s just me. My life trajectory resembles a child’s spirograph drawing, where the plastic guide caused the pen to lose control and fly off the page.
For a long time, I felt like I was going through the motions. I was doing what was expected, being a mom and working on my career. But I lacked a clear sense of purpose. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to wonder if God had something more for me. That’s when I started seeking Him earnestly, asking for His guidance and purpose in my life.
My Doubts
However, when I finally sensed my purpose or calling, I began to wonder if I was ready to follow God’s plan. “Should I wait till I have my life together? Should I tackle the little things first? Where should I begin?” The only thing I knew for sure was that I didn’t feel ready. But more disconcerting, I wasn’t sure that if the right time or opportunity presented itself, I would ever feel ready or confident enough even to try.
In case you haven’t already guessed, I am famous for “overthinking” just about everything. And the thought that always shouts the loudest is, “What I am and what I do is never good enough.” Perhaps this stems from a traumatic childhood and having parents who always pushed me to do better. Maybe it’s a result of living in a competitive society that encourages us to compare ourselves with others, striving to be better, do more, and have more. Perhaps it is the enemy whispering lies. Maybe it’s a combination of all these things. I honestly don’t know.
I can only tell you that true peace came when I let go of my doubts, fears, and expectations and embraced God’s plan for my life.
God’s Plan For Our Lives
Dear one, God never intended for us to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and unworthy of having a prosperous life. God’s Word teaches us to feel peace in whatever season of life we are in. God tells us not to worry and overthink our lives. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
God created each of us uniquely with a specific plan and purpose for our lives. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16, NIV).
And friend, God’s plans for us are good! “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Peace flows not from having all the answers, but from seeking God and trusting in His purpose and presence. ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).
God’s Plan May Look Different Than We Expect
We may set lofty goals and expect to move straight towards them. We might establish timeframes for different stages of life to help us achieve our goals. But friend, sometimes our plans and expectations do not align with God’s. God sees the bigger picture that we cannot. That’s why He says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘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, NIV).
God’s Preparation
God’s plans and timeframe may include an extended time of preparation. Many people in the Bible underwent periods of preparation before fulfilling their divine callings. These periods often involved hardships, challenges, spiritual growth, and the development of necessary skills and character.
Here are just a few examples:
- Moses spent 40 years in Midian, tending sheep for his father-in-law Jethro. During this time, he developed humility and patience and learned to rely on God. This period prepared him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
- Joseph endured years of hardship, including the betrayal of his brothers, being sold into slavery, and being unjustly imprisoned. Through these trials, he developed resilience, integrity, strategic thinking, and emotional sensitivity. These qualities later proved crucial when he became the second-in-command in Egypt, saving many lives during a famine.
- David was a shepherd for 12 years after being anointed as the future King of Israel. This experience taught him leadership, courage, and a deepening trust in God. He also endured persecution from King Saul and faced numerous challenges before finally ascending to the throne at age 30. These experiences honed his character and prepared him for his kingship.
- Jesus didn’t begin his ministry until the age of 30, and not until after spending 40 days and nights in the Judean Desert, fasting and being tempted by the devil. This time of spiritual battle and affirmation of his mission was essential for his work ahead.
Dear one, if all the lives of these Bible giants, including Jesus, included a time of preparation, maybe our lives do as well.
How To Exchange Our Expectations for His Plan
1. Be gentle with ourselves.
Friend, I believe that it is possible to be a slave to our minds and expectations. So we must remember that Jesus came to set us free and give us peace. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, NIV). Therefore, it’s imperative that we be gentle with ourselves.
2. Submit
True freedom often comes not from holding on to control, but from surrendering it to God. As we let go of the expectations we’ve placed on ourselves and our lives, we open the door to peace and create space for God’s plans, purposes, and perfect timing.
3. Let God’s Spirit direct our path.
If we seek God’s will and ways, then His Holy Spirit will guide and direct us.“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).
Take Away
God has a perfect plan for our lives, and everything, both good and bad, works towards His plan. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
So we can stop overthinking, judging, and feeling like we don’t measure up. God says:
- You are deeply loved. “See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NLT).
- You are enough. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14, NIV).
- He will guide us along life’s path. “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, ESV).
I know that God has a plan for each of us and our lives. As we continue on our journey, if we constantly seek Him, He will guide us. If we don’t give up, one day, in His time and way, we will reach the goals He has for our lives. In the meantime, we can be kind to ourselves and seek God. When we do, He will make your paths clear.
Are you struggling to find peace amid life’s storms?
Download my FREE Printable:
Six Ways to Find Peace in the Storm
https://mailchi.mp/fd66a6a39b3a/six-ways-to-find-peace
Or read my blog post.
https://katherinewisniewski.com/six-ways-to-find-peace-in-the-storm
Do you need some practical steps for letting go of expectations?
Learning to Let Go of Expectations Will Set You Free
