His Plans Never Fail

​I consider myself a pretty laid back person. I can go with the flow and pivot when plans change. But there have been times when big plans don’t work out and I’ve been left feeling like a failure.

When I was young, I had a very specific plan for my life. I planned to marry my highschool boyfriend and have children in my early twenties. I planned to go to college and graduate in four years. I planned to move back to my hometown and teach kindergarten. I just knew that’s what was meant for me. Oh, how I couldn’t have been more wrong. In the midst of those plans falling through, I felt completely lost and scared.

I’m not the only one who’s life plan has been drastically different from God’s plans. Mary, Elizabeth and even Joseph had to move forward after their lives were changing in the most life-altering way— with a baby on the way.

When an angel of the Lord named Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would become pregnant and give birth to a son, when she wasn’t even married, her reaction was one of logistical confusion, not disbelief. Gabriel also relayed to Mary the news that her cousin, Elizabeth, who had struggled with infertility and was now older in age, was with child. He told Mary, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 NASB).

Mary chose to put her complete trust in God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). She had faith that when she gave God her trust that nothing would be impossible, no matter the struggles she faced; there would be joy and victory in the end. 

It’s never easy to see the plans we’re excited for change completely, especially when those changes bring heartache. We aren’t promised that we won’t feel pain or sadness, but we’re able to cling to joy and peace during those times knowing that God has a perfect plan for us— even if it’s something we never believed possible.

Elizabeth loved God with all her heart, even when she believed that He wouldn’t bless her with the baby she longed for (Luke 1). Joseph was initially concerned about this situation and planned to end his engagement to Mary; he instead followed the commands of the angels of God and trusted the Lord’s plans (Matthew 1). Mary knew her future held heartache and difficulties as the mother of Jesus. But Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary trusted and listened.

When we put our full trust in our relationship with our heavenly Father, we’re able to fully experience how His plans are always greater than our own. At the end of Luke 1, Elizabeth rejoiced and we can rejoice along with her knowing and trusting that, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45).

Spoiler alert— I’m not a teacher. I changed my major three times. I didn’t marry that high school boyfriend, but I did marry my college sweetheart. I just had our third baby girl at the age of 34. I live an hour and a half from my hometown. I’m blessed beyond measure and this life God has built for me is greater than I could have ever imagined.

Our plans may fail and change, but His never do. Before making a plan all on your own, I encourage you to seek the Lord and prayerfully ask Him to guide you into the right direction. 

Seek him daily, with everything and trust that whatever His plans may be, that they are far better than you could ever imagine. 

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

About the Author

​My name is Brittany Marlow. I have been married to my husband, Justin, for 8 years. We have three of the sweetest baby girls, Macy Jo (7) Shelby June (4) and Rosie Neil (1). 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 this 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.