The Story I Didn’t Choose

I want out. This isn’t fun anymore. Discouragement is winning, and I see no light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you ever felt this way?

Maybe it’s in marriage. Maybe parenting feels like too much. Maybe a friendship fell apart, or your job leaves you drained and defeated. Life has a way of leaving us gasping for air and wondering if we’ll ever feel joy again. Sometimes it seems like the only option is to escape—to move, to quit, to check out emotionally.

I’ve been there.

God is the Author of My Story

Today I read a simple but piercing line from New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp:

“The problem was that God had a much, much better plan for me… I had forgotten that someone else was the author.”

That sentence stopped me in my tracks.

My life—my story—is not written by me.

Speaking Truth to the Lies

God is the Author of my story.

I opened my journal and began to write those very words at the top of the page. I didn’t know what would come next. I just knew that I needed to speak truth back to the lies that discouragement was shouting.

And I began to write.

You are the Author of my story.
You already chose the title.
You know how many pages it will contain.
You know the flow of chapters – what comes next, when it ends, what’s left unsaid.

You created that font that perfectly fits how I was created.
You handcrafted the setting.
You timed every event, every turn, with precision and grace.

I thought about the mountains—the breathtaking joys, the high points I wanted to last forever.
Every mountain is to bring You glory.

I thought about the valleys—deep grief, loss, and seasons of darkness.
Every valley brings me closer to You.

I thought about the people who have come in and out of my story.
Every character is perfectly added and removed as You see best.

Then this poured out:
You are with me for every word.
You hold the pen forming every letter.
Each sentence is written in the blood of Jesus—bold, red, without mistakes, and full of love.

God is the Author of My Story

I am living a story I wouldn’t have written.
But if I believe that God is who He says He is, then I can trust that every chapter advances His purpose and is for my good (Romans 8:28).

Not one line is wasted.
Not one scene is without His hand.
Not one moment—whether painful or joyful—is beyond His redeeming grace.

Now it’s your turn.

Maybe you’re in the middle of a chapter you didn’t ask for. Maybe your life doesn’t look like the story you imagined.

Grab a journal. A napkin. A sticky note. Whatever you have.

And write your own words to the Author of your story. A prayer. A poem. A cry for help. A confession with honest, raw words. He can handle your emotions.

God’s still writing. And His story for you is good.

Would you like to share your prayer or poem? I’d be honored to walk with you. Just reach out. 💛