When Life Happens

Part of the Beginnings series

You had every intention of building your vision that helps others, of moving it forward into the next phase.

But then - life.

Life happened. And it keeps happening.

So much so that it’s hard to know which way is up.

So much so that survival becomes the focus, and your vision feels like the last thing on your mind.

So much so that when people offer advice, you hear it, maybe even nod along, but inside you’re saying, “That’s nice,” as you place it on the shelf - where it gathers dust and is often forgotten.

Because life is happening.

And sometimes, life even seems to move you further and further away from the vision in your heart. It’s been happening so long you start asking yourself:

“Isn’t it too late? If this was really supposed to happen, wouldn’t I already be doing it by now?”

But what if?

What if all of it - the setbacks, the delays, the unexpected turns - can still be used for your good? (Romans 8:28)I know you’ve heard it before. But it's true.

Beginning Just Clear and Simple was anything but smooth. The moment I said “yes,” it seemed like setback after setback came:

• being so sick I could barely walk

• financial hardship

• family emergencies

• loved ones passing away

• my own fear and doubt

But… but God.

God was there. Listening to my every cry (Psalm 34:17). Guiding my every step (Proverbs 16:9). Providing for my every need (Philippians 4:19).

And those times when I thought I was “behind,” that I should have been further along by now - when it finally came together, it was always right on time (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Habakkuk 2:3).

The lessons I’ve learned on this road - to lean on Him, to depend on Him - are what fuel me to keep saying yes and to keep building.

So, what if?

What if instead of getting caught up in what didn’t happen and what did… you let this be your new beginning?

A beginning where you step more into your purpose.

A beginning where you become more of who you were created to be (Ephesians 2:10).

Beginning to take the vision down off the shelf and keep going.

Because you’ve already begun - every time you prayed, planned, dreamed. Every time you cried.

What if the grace, strength, and wisdom you need to move forward with your vision and with your life is waiting on the other side of your yes?

Even if you have to build a little, pause while life happens, and then build some more. Because it’s not about how long it takes. It’s about the willingness to keep going, no matter how long it takes (Galatians 6:9).

And God can redeem the time you think you’ve lost (Joel 2:25). He hasn’t forgotten you… or your vision.

What if your vision was made for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)?

Not the timing you imagined, but God’s timing. He already knew the road you’d take, the trials you’d face, the disappointments you’d walk through. And He also knows the exact moment the people your vision is meant to help will need it.

And maybe all this time leading up to now has been preparing you - giving you the growth, the experience, and the perspective you need to serve the ones you’re called to help.

Life will always happen.

Setbacks and disappointments are part of this journey.

So let life happen. But don’t let it decide whether your vision will live or die.

I’m choosing to surrender my days, my path, and the timing of my life and vision to Him.

What about you?

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My Prayer For You

May you find peace in God’s timing, strength for the step in front of you, and courage to keep saying yes.

If I stand in prayer with you about anything in your vision that helps others, send me a message and let me know.

And if you know someone with a vision that helps others that would be encouraged by this, share this post with them using the icons below.