Divine Detour: Trusting God's Plan in Unknown Seasons

Have you ever felt like your life has slowed down, like God asked you to pause but didn't explain why? Like you're in a season where things feel hidden, quiet, maybe even a little confusing? Today's conversation is for the woman who is waiting on God, walking through a wilderness season, or wondering if anything in her life is actually being used for good. Because what if the slow seasons aren't empty? What if they're forming something deeper than you can see?

We were so blessed to welcome Jasmine Green, a hand-lettering artist and author, to the podcast. Her incredible journey reminds us that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to our expectations, and His 'delays' are always for our ultimate good.

Seasons of Seeming Slowness

Jasmine shared a powerful personal story about a season where she felt called to write a monthly devotional for a small subscriber base. After months of pouring her heart into these detailed devotionals, she found herself spending more than she was earning, and questioned whether she should continue. In a moment of prayer, God simply told her to "press pause" without any further explanation. Two months later, completely out of the blue, she received an email from an editor, leading to a book deal. This story beautifully illustrates that God often has a bigger plan forming behind the scenes, even when our efforts appear to yield little visible fruit.

"But I am trusting in you, Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands." Psalm 31:14-15a

The Difference Between Waiting and Surrender

Jasmine made a profound distinction between waiting on God and surrendering to Him. Waiting can often be tinged with discontent and a focus on 'when', while surrender asks, 'What do you want of me to do today, Lord, that would honor you?' This shift in perspective is crucial for navigating hidden seasons with grace and purpose. During these times, God is often working deeply within us, refining our character, chipping away at pride, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency, and cultivating a radical dependence on Him.

"Indeed, the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7

Nothing is Wasted

One of the enemy's greatest lies is that our past experiences or 'slow' seasons were pointless, or that we somehow missed God's plan. But for those who love Him, nothing is ever wasted. Jasmine shared another powerful anecdote from her university days, where a blunt conversation with a seasoned journalist led her to question her career path. Though it felt like a setback at the time, God used those journalism skills in unexpected ways, from corporate communications to writing for Christian magazines, and eventually, to authoring a book. Every "detour" was a divine redirection, preparing her for what was next.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Practical Steps for Trusting God

Trusting God isn't just a beautiful theory; it's a daily, intentional choice, especially in moments of uncertainty. Jasmine encouraged us to start with small acts of obedience: listening for God's gentle nudges and following His voice, even when it seems inconsequential. These small acts build our spiritual muscle, proving God's faithfulness and our trustworthiness in Him. Just as Samuel learned to hear God's voice while faithfully tending to the temple, we too can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him through consistent, everyday choices.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflection Questions

1. What 'slow' or 'hidden' seasons are you currently navigating, and how might God be using this time to work on something deeper within you?
2. Where in your life are you waiting on God, but perhaps still trying to control the outcome? What would it look like to fully surrender that specific area to Him?
3. Can you think of a past experience that felt like a 'waste' at the time, but God later redeemed or used for good in an unexpected way?
4. What small, practical step can you take this week to intentionally lean into God's voice and trust Him more deeply?