Sometimes life takes unexpected turns — whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or beyond. If you’re in midlife and feeling uncertain, stuck, or like your best years are behind you, I want to share a personal story that is a reminder that God’s plan for us never stops unfolding. Even when we feel like we’ve messed up, He will work all things for good.
When Life Takes Unexpected Turns
“God, are you there? Because I really messed up this time.”
That’s the shaky, desperate prayer I whispered in late 1996 when I found out I was pregnant — completely unplanned, utterly unexpected, and turning all my carefully laid plans upside down.
I had just turned 31, held a good marketing job, and imagined my life heading down a clear path: career success and marriage.
But life doesn’t always follow our script.
Finding God’s Presence in the Storm
My boyfriend, who I had dreamed of having a future with, now asked me to end the pregnancy. When I said no, he walked away. Suddenly, the future I had imagined vanished. I was left alone with fear, uncertainty, and a million questions.
In that dark moment, I called out to God — hesitant, scared, and filled with shame. I wondered if He would even help me through something that I caused. But I still prayed, asking for forgiveness, provision and peace.
Yet, through the storm, God’s promises were quietly unfolding. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”(ESV) Even when we don’t see it, even when our plans fall apart, He is still at work — weaving a new purpose out of the mess.
And slowly, answers came in unexpected ways:
- I received an unexpected raise at work that would allow me to raise my child on my own.
- I qualified for paid medical leave for the weeks after the baby arrived.
- Friends rallied around me, throwing a baby shower to help me get started on this new journey.
The most powerful answer? The life-like dream I had of playing with a blond-haired toddler who I called “Matthew.”
The name Matthew means: “Gift from God.”
A few months later, I gave birth to a sweet, cuddly, hefty (and loud!) little boy — Matthew. From that day forward, I have looked at my son as a precious gift — one created with divine purpose, no matter how his story began.
Since then, God continued to provide countless blessings: I married a wonderful man who is not only the best husband for me but also a loving father whom I believe God specifically chose for my son.
Experiencing God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
Does God care? Absolutely. He reminds me that even when we walk through wilderness seasons — the times when life feels hardest and plans unravel — we are being shaped, humbled, and prepared for what lies ahead. As Deuteronomy 8:2 says, God uses these times to teach us obedience and trust.
There were consequences to my choices, but God’s faithfulness never wavered. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (ESV) That is the God I serve — a God who hears when I call, who rescues, and who redeems.
Trusting God with Your Continuing Story
If you’re reading this in midlife — maybe feeling like your dreams have faded or you’ve “missed your chance” — I want to encourage you: God’s plan for your life is still unfolding. He delights in bringing beauty from ashes, in turning unexpected detours into new adventures.
Your story isn’t over. You are still His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), created for good works that He prepared beforehand.
Will you trust Him today to work all things for your good, even when you don’t see the full picture?
Journaling Prompts:
Reflect on a time when your life didn’t go as planned.
— How did that experience shape your faith or understanding of God’s plan?
— Write about what you learned from that season and how God showed up for you.
What areas of your life feel uncertain or unfinished right now?
— Write down any thoughts, feelings, or scriptures that bring you hope and encouragement.
I'd love to hear what you think!