234. What if God Is Using the Life You Did Not Plan?

Are you living a life you did not plan? Have you ever looked at your life and thought, This isn’t what I expected? Not because everything is falling apart—but because somewhere along the way, life took a turn you never planned. Maybe it’s the responsibilities you carry, the losses you didn’t choose, or the quiet routines that now shape your days. And deep down you wonder, Is God really at work here—or am I just taking up space? In this episode, Julie continues the series, Stories I Come Back To, by turning to the story of Ruth—a woman who didn’t live the life she planned, but lived the life God used.

Ruth’s story begins with loss. After her husband dies, she chooses to stay with her grieving mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to what was familiar and easier. That decision leads her into a life of obscurity—gleaning leftover grain in fields just to survive. No spotlight. No big moments. Just showing up, day after day.

Ruth doesn’t know that God is already at work behind the scenes. She only knows to keep being faithful in what’s right in front of her.

Julie shares how Ruth’s story reminds us of several important truths:

Obedience often means going when it would be easier to stay.
God works powerfully through ordinary, unseen faithfulness.
God honors what feels small, unnoticed, and unimportant.

Ruth couldn’t see how her faithfulness would shape generations, but God uses her life in His redemptive plan.

Are you living a life you did not plan?

If you are—one that feels quiet, repetitive, or far from what you imagined—this episode is for you. God is still at work in your middle. He is using your obedience, your presence, and your faithfulness, even when you can’t see how.

And if this season has stirred questions, longing, or uncertainty, Julie invites you into Abundant Life Mentoring—a one-on-one space to slow down, listen to God, and discern what He’s doing in your life right now.

You may not be living the life you planned—but you might be living the life God is using for your growth, for the good of others, and for His glory.