Giving Our Plans to God

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I had visions of going into labor at Target. I would be strolling the aisles of Target and all of a sudden my water would break. I would call my husband in a panic and drive myself to the hospital to meet him. Then we would welcome our baby girl into the world together, easy breezy. Oh, how that couldn’t have been further from reality. To my surprise, I would never actually go into labor. I would develop a condition called HELLP Syndrome, where in order to save my daughters’ life, as well as my own, my doctor would perform an emergency c-section at 35 weeks. That is how we welcomed our 4lbs. 8 oz. baby girl into the world. 

I wouldn’t say I had a specific birth plan, but I can tell you that was not even close to what I had envisioned for myself. I had friends, with the best intentions, encouraging me that even though I had a c-section, I still labored and brought that child into the world. And although I couldn’t produce food for my child, it didn’t make me any less of a mother. Well, “duh,” I thought to myself.

“Of course, I was just as strong as every other mother whose birth went according to their plan.” It wasn’t until those sleepless nights set in and the fifth reflux outfit change of the morning that the questioning started. Why? Is this really the plan for me?

​While reading Job, I sympathized with him. After multiple disasters fell upon his life, Job was left asking why and only receiving solutions from his well-intentioned friends, but those solutions never addressed the heart of the issue. They were all pointing to what Job must have done wrong. ​

In the midst of suffering, it can be hard for us to remember that God is still there, which makes it so easy for us to turn to those around us instead of turning to Him. Job knew God wasn’t allowing this to happen because he was sinful, just like I knew I was a mother no matter how my child was brought to me or how she was fed. But just like Job, I asked God why such circumstances were happening to me. “Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant me what I hope for…” (Job 6:8). If only God would explain to me why these were my circumstances, then I would understand and things would be easier. 

God never gave Job specific answers to his questions, but He did remind him of the almighty God that He is. He reminded Job of what He had done and that he was the only one who could do such things. God reminded him of His promises and that He was always there, leading him through the valleys. 


While I was busy asking why, I was also busy missing God’s presence in my life. He was always there, right beside me, waiting for me to trust and have faith. Instead of waiting for an explanation, take time to pray and seek God’s presence and peace within your life. An explanation won’t bring peace, but trusting in God and His plan will. Although this present was hard, He was blessing me with a future better than I could have ever planned for myself.

Would you believe that my daughter never spent one second in the NICU and that she was discharged from the hospital before me? I wouldn’t change her birth or the hard road after for anything because God was teaching me to trust in His plan above my own.  I didn’t make this child, God did. I didn’t bring her into the world, He did. And as much as I want to plan for her life, He has a better one. What God brings to our life is always good; He is never against us. But he also doesn’t promise a life without struggle. Friend, give your plan to God and trust in the promise that what He has in store for you is greater. 

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

About the Author

My name is Brittany Marlow. I have been married to my husband, Justin, for 9 years. We have three of the sweetest girls, Macy Jo, Shelby June, and Rosie Neil. I love spending time with family and friends at the lake, enjoying a big bowl of popcorn at the movies and working out. I have grown exponentially while being a part of the Rooted Moms community. I believe it’s so important to walk through life with others. I am passionate about growing in my faith and helping other women do the same. ​