Life rarely goes according to our plans, but that doesn’t mean the dream is over, dead, or gone. It just reminds us how much we need help beyond ourselves — because carrying the burdens that come with raising a family, all alone, is impossible.

If your bank account is not where you thought it would be by now, or your kids are fearful for their future, or maybe your marriage feels more like a battlefield than a safe haven, take heart. Your plans may seem to have fallen apart, but that doesn’t mean you have to.

Whatever dream didn’t come true,
whatever intentions didn’t come to pass,
or whatever plan you had that fell through,
God has got it.

You’re not disqualified because things got messy, and hope doesn’t die when your plans fall apart.

Does it hurt? Yes.

Is it scary? Yes.

But in time, things will work out.

Here’s why I have hope.

I may not know what to do with a rebellious teenager who is disrespecting me. I may feel terrified at my child’s diagnosis. I may not know how to help my child overcome her fears. I may suck at resolving conflicts with my husband. But God can meet me and help me with every situation that comes.

If I pay attention to his voice, that intuition inside me, he will direct my steps daily. I’ve done it my way, and believe me when I say, His way is better!

You can trust Him.

I also have hope because of this:

Jesus told us ahead of time, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 That’s good news for a stressed-out parent. Life is a mess. It will be troublesome. But he has overcome it, so all we have to do is join his team, stick close, and follow along as best as we can, and we also become overcomers.

And this:

God, the Father, told us ahead of time, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

And this:

He also told us ahead of time, to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

May you take hold of these words like a stone in your hand. May they give you the same strength to keep going as they have me. God is the only thing that got me through, and he can do the same for you.

I’m still standing, my kids are thriving, and I’m learning every day that my strength alone isn’t enough, but leaning on His strength is! And his plans for us are perfect.

My messy motherhood journey has been filled with mistakes, disasters, hopeless situations, fear, stress, and anxiety, but God somehow helped me navigate through it all. And he still does.

He will do it for you, too. He’s just that good.