I hate how I got here...but would not trade for where I am!

By Dick Ivey · 2026-05-21

Father God, I used to feel my life was mapped out for me. I grew up with pressures to follow a prescribed path: study hard, get good grades, earn a degree(s), land a great job, climb the ladder, find the right partner, get married, have kids, then retire and travel. That plan only seemed fine—until it didn't work for me.

I'm older and hopefully a little wiser now and...life didn’t unfold according to this script.

School disappointed, my career path has been uncertain; setbacks have delayed my dreams, and my relationships have changed unexpectedly and dramatically. When all these have occurred, I've often felt as if I have failed. But I haven’t. The cultural template was just a suggestion, not a definitive plan for my life.

You given me a unique calling, a special purpose. No mistake or setback in my life can cancel what You have and have had in store for my life. My life’s journey is meant to be different from others. I am go grateful for Your tender and loving care which has presented itself over and over again as I have taken false detours and made countless mistakes. Please use me as You wish for Your Kingdom and Glory until it's my time to come Home to you, because I pray this in the special name of Jesus. Amen

Verse for Today: "He [God] who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)