Have you ever been reading a book and suddenly there is a plot twist! The tale takes a rapid and exciting turn. Danger threatens, tragedy strikes, and the main character is forced to grapple with everything while still staying sane.
Or
Maybe you are one of those authors who love to dump in plot twists to see what your character will do. Or maybe just because you aren’t sure what else to do, or you need more excitement or something. You gleefully add sickness, sorrow, suffering, stress, and singleness (because loneliness doesn’t start with an S).
Plot Twist!
You know, our lives have plot twists too. Maybe not as dramatic as some authors like to include (yes, I’m thinking about you!), but some times it is as sudden and as difficult. In the last few months I’ve often thought “Plot Twist!” as events in my life didn’t turn out the way I was expecting.
But then I’m reminded.
God is the Author and Finisher of my story. Of your story too. But unlike us human authors who seem to like to watch our characters suffer, God has a reason and a purpose for each thing that comes our way. Nothing happens without His full knowledge and approval.
But why? Why can’t we just have normal lives without those crazy plot twists?
I don’t know all the reasons but when we face difficulties we have two choices: We can turn to God or we can turn away from Him. Perhaps our trials are meant to draw us closer.
- Sickness – to learn that He is our strength and song
- Sorrow – to feel the comfort of his arms and to be able to sympathize with others
- Suffering – to learn to count it all joy and to minister to others who are suffering
- Stress – to learn to rest in Him and to smile even when you don’t feel like it
- Singleness – to think of others who need encouragement, to serve God in ways you can’t do otherwise
Next time you face difficulties in your life, remember that this plot twist is planned out and ordained by God. And it wasn’t created just to add some excitement or drama to your life.
Are you dealing with a plot twist right now? Are you an author who enjoys tossing in plot twists just to make a story more exciting? Have your struggles made you grow or are you trying to push them away?
I love a good plot twist in a story, but I try to avoid random drama in my stories. If there’s drama, there is a reason 😝 now backstories are where I need to pare down the excess action/drama. I didn’t even realize how much that happened until someone (😉) pointed out that all the characters in my WIP had sad backstories! So yeah that was a revelation…
This post was a blessing…I love that the plot twists in our lives serve a purpose and help us to grow as a person and as a child of God!
I’m glad the post was a blessing, Ry.
And yeah, some backstories . . . 😉
This was such an encouraging post, Rebekah! I love both reading and writing plot twists, and I’ve had a few of them in my life the last few months. By God’s grace and strength I have grown from them. Thank you for putting difficulties in a new perspective!
You’re welcome, Hannah! Yes, isn’t it wonderful that God doesn’t just throw plot twists at us for no reason?
Very true… plot twists feel bad but God knows what He is doing.
Yes, He does!
Oh Rebekah!! I NEEDED this!! Choking up as I was reading it…. Plot twists are SO HARD! But God has a plan, even when it hurts! Yes!!!
Aw! Yes, plot twists aren’t always fun or easy in real life, but knowing that God has a plan helps. *offers hugs*