What to Do When Life Takes Unexpected Turns

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

If life had gone according to my plans, it would have looked very different.

I had dreams mapped out, timelines set, goals written down. But somewhere along the way, life happened—and not the version I had pictured. Doors closed I thought would open. Unexpected detours forced me onto unfamiliar roads. There were moments I wondered if I had somehow missed God's will altogether.

But here's what I've learned: God is still God when the plan changes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 isn't just a nice verse for a graduation card—it's a survival guide for real life. Trust isn’t needed when everything makes sense. Trust is needed when the path ahead feels foggy, uncertain, even painful.

When life takes an unexpected turn, the invitation isn’t to figure everything out. It’s to lean into God rather than leaning on our own understanding. It's about surrendering the illusion of control and choosing to believe that even the detours are part of a bigger story He is writing.

Maybe today you’re standing at a crossroads you didn’t plan for. Maybe you’re mourning a version of life you thought you’d have. If so, you’re not alone—and you’re not off track. God is still leading. He’s just taking you the long way around so he can do a deeper work in you along the way.

Reflection Questions:

• Where in your life have you had to release control and trust God’s bigger plan?

• How does leaning on your own understanding sometimes limit your sense of peace?

• What would it look like today to trust God with the next small step, even if you can't see the whole road ahead?

  
  

Father, when life doesn’t go the way I planned, help me to trust you anyway. Teach me to lean on your wisdom, not my understanding. Remind me that your paths, even when they seem winding, always lead to goodness and grace. Strengthen my heart to keep following you, one step at a time. Amen.