When God’s Ways Don’t Make Sense (Week 13)

​My husband and I met online before it was “the thing” to do. We were both a bit older by dating standards. I was 29, he was almost 34. We’d both been in relationships, but they just never worked out.
 
I always dreamed about getting married and having a family. After high school, I planned to go to college for two years, find my perfect man during that time, and then get married and start having babies. Well, God’s plans for my life were much different. College came and went with no spouse. I went to Bible school (which a lot of people refer to as “Bridal school”) and still no success in finding a husband.

I wanted it so badly; my heart ached. I would often cry out in despair and pray for a spouse. I’d read stories about how women prayed for their husbands and the exact right guy magically came into their lives. I’d even tried online dating at different times. I went on a couple of dates but didn’t meet anyone I wanted to be with long term.

One Sunday at church, I was fed up with dating. I was coming to terms with being on my own, but I was struggling because marriage was something I desperately wanted and felt like God wanted for me too. A friend of mine was preaching that morning; we discussed his sermon the day before actually. I honestly can’t tell you exactly what his message was about anymore, but near the end he called forward anyone who wanted prayer for something specific. I am not usually one to go up for altar calls. I don’t like attention being drawn to me or people trying to figure out why I’m going up, but I was compelled to respond that day. I prayed and sensed God nudging me to try online dating one more time. I was jaded, but I listened… two weeks later I met my husband.
 
If God makes a promise, He will make it happen. All we need to do is walk step by step in obedience.
 
We see this in the story of Jericho this week. The Israelites were told to walk around Jericho for seven days. Then on the seventh day, they were to blow their trumpets. What kind of a plan is that? They probably felt confused and maybe even a little bit upset by what God was asking them to do. I would be embarrassed even just walking around the city every day. What was God doing? But Joshua and Israel were obedient and God gave the city into their hands.
 
Once I let go of the plans I had for my own life and obeyed Him, He brought my husband into my life. He has always been faithful (just take a look back at your own life and see). He does not change just as Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Sometimes the steps of obedience God asks of us don’t make any sense to us at the time. He may be asking you to quit your job and take a lower-paying one. Maybe He’s prompting you to move to a new city where you don’t know anyone. Or maybe He’s just asking you to invite that lady you met on the bus over for coffee.

God’s plans won’t always make sense, but we can trust and obey knowing God always keeps His promises. That step you are taking right now might be your first step of obedience to God’s plan.

Memory Verse: “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV

About the Author

Hi! I’m Caroline... spelled CaroLINE, pronounced CaroLYN. I know, confusing, right? I currently live on the West Coast of Canada, in Chilliwack, B.C. I’m wife to an amazing, supportive husband, Pete; and momma to two preemie girls, Lily, and Maggie (29 weeks and 36 weeks respectively). As my day job, I am Department Head of a Pharmacy Technician program at a local college. I enjoy writing as a way to share what God has taught me, especially about His grace, through all the ups and downs that motherhood and life may bring.

​Connect with Caroline at whengracebecomesgratitude.wordpress.com

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