From chaos to calling: How God’s pen writes your messy middle
Have you ever looked at your life and felt like this is not the life you signed up for—unfinished, full of plot twists you didn’t see coming, and way off the course you had planned? Maybe you’re in the middle of a season that feels like chaos, uncertainty, or even heartbreak. But here’s the truth: God is still writing your story.
The middle of any story is where tension builds, obstacles arise, and faith is tested. And yet, this messy middle is where transformation happens. What feels like a detour to you is actually divine direction. What seems like a roadblock is often a setup for a greater calling.
If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use your pain, your failures, or your waiting season for something good, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with people who found their greatest purpose in the middle of their mess.
seeing through god’s lens
We tend to see life through our own limited perspective—what makes sense in the moment, what feels good, or what fits into our plans. But God sees the beginning, middle, and end all at once. He is the Author, weaving every detail of our story into His grand narrative of redemption.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
When we trust that God’s pen is still writing, we can surrender the need to control every chapter and embrace the story He is unfolding.
biblical examples of those who thrived in the midst of god’s story
The pages of Scripture are filled with stories of individuals who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, only to discover that these very difficulties were the key in shaping their destinies and furthering God’s plan.
Joseph: from pit to palace
Joseph’s story, found in the book of Genesis, is an example of how God can use life’s lowest moments to propel us towards a life of purpose and impact. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph could have easily succumbed to bitterness and despair — staying stuck in the messy middle. Instead, he chose to trust in God’s plan, even when his story didn’t make sense. Embracing hi story led him to a position of great influence, where he was able to save not only his family but entire nations from famine. So much so that Joseph declared in Genesis 50:2: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
esther: For such a time as this
Esther’s story reminds us what is possible when we trust God to do the writing. Thrust into the palace during a time of great peril for her people, Esther initially hesitated to use her voice, it was her uncle Mordecai who reminds her of the ways God could use this unexpected rise to royalty. “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther’s courage in the face of persecution and death not only saved her people but also demonstrated how God can use the story He is writing with our lives to accomplish His greater purposes.
Paul: strength in weakness
The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential figures in spreading the Gospel and building the Church. After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul faced a variety of challenges, including a “thorn in the flesh” that he pleaded with God to remove. Instead of healing Pual, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul’s life teaches us that sometimes our greatest strengths emerge from our perceived weaknesses, and that God’s power shines brightest through our vulnerabilities.
decoding your personal story
While Biblical examples provide inspiration and guidance, it’s important to recognize that your story is uniquely written by God himself. One powerful tool for understanding your story and how it intersects with God’s larger story is life mapping. Life mapping encourages us to slow down, observe your story so far, and the ways that God is working in the chapters of your life — both now and in the future. Reconnecting with the story God is writing can help you and I discover our values, our strengths, and our passions. Slowing down to unlock our story can be a powerful tool to hear God speak and embrace the life you are already living as a path to purpose and imp
practical steps to align your life with God’s plot
Recognizing that God is the Author of our lives is one thing: actively participating in the story He’s writing is another. Some practical steps you can take to align your life more closely with God’s narrative are:
cultivate a practice of stillness and reflection
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to miss the subtle ways God is speaking into our lives. Set aside regular time for silence, prayer, and mediation on Scripture. Leaning into the practice of stillness allows us to tune into God’s voice and discern His direction for our lives. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
journal your journey
Keep a record of your experiences, thoughts and prayers. Over time you’ll begin to see patterns emerge — recurring themes, lessons learned, and evidence of God’s faithfulness even in the most challenging of seasons.
seek wise counsel
Surround yourself with people who can offer godly wisdom and perspective. This might include mentors, spiritual directors, or trusted friends of a community of women who can help you interpret the events of your life through a biblical lens.
embrace opportunities for growth
Instead of shying away from challenges, view them as opportunities to grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. God often uses difficult circumstances to shape us into the people he’s calling us to be. James 1:2-4 encourages us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
practice gratitude
Cultivate a habit of gratitude, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This practice can help shift our perspective from focusing on where you are stuck to recognizing the man ways God is working in your life and using you to make an impact.
Your invitation to uncover your story
God is the author of our lives. Full stop. Even the messiest, most chaotic chapters of our lives are infused with purpose and potential. The key lies in shifting our perspective to see our lives through God’s eyes — recognizing that He is crafting a narrative far more beautiful and impactful than we could ever imagine on our own.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into uncovering the unique story God is writing with your life, then our Unlocking Your Story group coaching experience is a great place to start. In this 8 week journey, you’ll…
Identify recurring themes in your life
Understand how God is directing your journey
Discover purpose in the midst of your struggles and triumphs
Learn to cooperate with God’s work in your life
Develop practical tools for navigating life’s plot twists with grace and faith
The good news? Your story is still being written. Every challenge, every unexpected turn, and every moment of triumph is part of your unfinished story. Are your ready to unlock the full potential of your story? Join us for this transformative journey and discover the masterpiece God is creating for your life.
