Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) tells us, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” This verse is so plain and straightforward, and most of us have heard it many times. While we know that the Will of God will always prevail in exactly the way that God has planned, feelings of dissatisfaction may cause us to wonder if we really understand this truth. When we’ve carried certain dreams in our hearts for years, and they still seem out of reach, those feelings of regret and frustration can be overwhelming. It’s especially tough when we get to a point in life where it feels like time is running out, and we wonder if we’ve missed our chance. You’ve spent years trying to put the pieces of life’s puzzle together, but somewhere along the way, it just seems like some of those pieces went missing.
Being frustrated with how our lives have turned out is not uncommon, especially as the years pass. I remembered those feelings when I heard Doris share her feelings about an unfulfilled dream. She just celebrated her 50th birthday and described herself as a woman with a heart full of love. For as long as she can remember, Doris envisioned herself with a family of her own and has dreamed of a husband to share life’s ups and downs. She desperately wanted children to raise, and a home full of love, but somehow, it hasn’t worked out that way. Instead, she finds herself single, with no children, and wondering where things went wrong.
Her life has been full of love and purpose, even if it didn’t unfold in the way she had always imagined. Doris has poured her heart into her nieces and nephews, showering them with affection and support. She’s been there for every milestone, every challenge, and every victory. They count on her and know that she’s always ready to lend a hand and share her wisdom. But even with all this love surrounding her, there’s a quiet, nagging emptiness that she can’t seem to shake. At the end of the day, when the laughter dies down and the house grows still, she’s left wondering if it’s too late for her dreams. She shared—almost reluctantly—that sometimes she wonders if God has forgotten about her, or if maybe her faith just isn’t strong enough.
If you’re like Doris, you’ve probably had a moment where it feels like life just didn’t do you right, and it hurts. It hurts our feelings to have dreams and expectations that don’t turn out how we planned. Maybe you’ve been single longer than you expected, or your career didn’t take off in the way you hoped. Perhaps your health hasn’t improved even though you’re doing everything you know to do. Or, could it be that you’ve missed out on something you deeply desired. You look around and think, Lord, are You still with me? Did I miss something?
You must remember that when it comes to God’s love for you, there are no limitations. He hasn’t forgotten about you. His plans for us are always bigger, better, and far beyond what we could ever dream up on our own. You might not see it now, but He’s working in ways you can’t fully comprehend. As His Word tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT): “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” His plans for you are beyond anything you could ever imagine. You can trust this with your whole heart.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) reminds us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” There isn’t anything about us that God doesn’t know. Long before we entered our mother’s womb, He knew the exact moment of our births and what we’d be doing this very moment. He knows our next breath, thought, and deed. We can be assured that our Heavenly Father isn’t sitting back, watching us from a distance. He’s with us every moment, and He has woven our story with His purpose and love, even when it doesn’t seem that way to us.
When life doesn’t go according to our plan, disappointment is a real thing. In fact, it’s part of the human experience. If you think about it, even our precious Lord and Savior had moments of sorrow and anguish. He wasn’t exempt from feelings of frustration or hurt. So, it’s okay to feel like things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to, and God doesn’t abandon us when we feel this way. Psalm 34:18 (NLT) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” You can be comforted in the truth that God sees your pain, and He is close to the brokenhearted.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) is a verse we hear often, but not nearly often enough. Our Heavenly Father told His people living in Old Testament times: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” He is the same God today that He was then, and He does not change. So, when your plans don’t work out, remember that God’s plans are still in motion. His version of good might look different from yours, but trust that it’s infinitely better.
Doris’s story isn’t over. Neither is yours. There are things you may not see right now—purposeful delays, unexpected detours, and quiet moments where God is shaping your heart to receive His best. The love we pour into others, our devotion to God, and our efforts to live rightly before Him are not in vain. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) encourages us: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” God will reward our faithfulness. So, hold on to your faith, knowing that there’s still so much ahead. Stay hopeful and watch how God will move powerfully in your life, bringing blessings that exceed your expectations. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“When Your Plans Don’t Work Out”, written by Rev. Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.