When Plans Fall Apart Trust God’s Leading
Looking Back on an Unexpected Journey
When plans fall apart, it can be discouraging, but I’ve learned that God’s leading is always better. As an example, I remember when we moved to Calgary with a solid plan in mind. My plan involved two roles. I would spend summers as a camp director northwest of Cochrane. Then I planned to return to our church in Calgary during the off-season, to lead Men’s Ministry and Life Groups.
I also had a goal to start my Master’s degree. It was through a church-based program at a seminary in British Columbia. The idea was to balance ministry work with gradual academic progress.
It was a great plan! (At least, that’s what I thought at the time.)
The Reality Looked Different
A year and a half in, things hadn’t unfolded the way I had envisioned. While the camp ministry went as expected, my church role took a completely different direction. When plans fall apart, it’s easy to feel lost, but God was already working behind the scenes.
I was eager to begin my Master’s. However, once summer ended, I stepped into my church role. I sensed it wasn’t going to work as seamlessly as I had hoped. Looking back, I’m grateful I paid attention to that still, small voice prompting me to wait.
A Season of Transition
Not long after, through a tough set of circumstances, three staff members—including the senior pastor—left the church. Out of five staff members, only the part-time worship director and I remained. It was an unexpected and challenging season.
Thankfully, we eventually hired a new administrative assistant, and he did a great job. That brought us up to a team of three. Then, after months of searching, we found a new senior pastor. It was a long road, but hope was finally on the horizon.
A New Ministry Focus
That fall, I transitioned from Men’s Ministry and Life Groups into Student Ministries. I would, oversee both youth and college & career programs. Having served in similar roles during my time in Alaska, the shift felt natural.
The goal of this transition was to give our new senior pastor the space to develop his own vision. He could focus on adult ministries without stepping into something that was already in motion. It was a fresh start for him—and for our working relationship.
God’s Plans Are Always Better
Looking back on that season, I can see how God was at work in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. At the time, it felt like everything was unraveling. But through it all, He was redirecting me. A new season was ahead for our church, and I was grateful for the team that came together.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (ESV)
This is a verse I’ve returned to often. My plans seemed solid, but God had a better way. It may not have gone how I expected, but He was faithful every step of the way.
Maybe you’re in a season of transition, wondering why things aren’t going the way you planned. Take heart! When plans fall apart, God will provide a way forward. His plan is always better, even when you can’t see it yet.
Dive Deeper Into Scripture
Join the Conversation Share Your Thoughts
When was the last time you had a plan that didn’t go as expected?
How did God work through the unexpected changes in your life?
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about trusting His timing?
