Morning Devotional 021026 Unexpected Plans

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 10, 2026

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. 12 When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.

Good Morning! God listens to us!

As a young person, I imagined myself doing many things in my life. Some of those I’ve done include getting married, having a loving relationship with my husband and three sons, and eventually becoming a grandmother. From an early age, I knew that music would play an important part in my life. God placed music within me, and it is my most intimate way to connect to God. 

Those are the big-picture things, but how God revealed my pathway was different from what I had envisioned. I was adamant that I would never be a teacher, yet after avoiding that career path for many years, I answered that call and began teaching, first piano, and then in the public school system. I felt comfortable in this role, but I also felt the need to continue growing and expanding my scope. 

As we moved around Virginia as a UM pastor’s family, I had the opportunity to reinvent myself and my goals many times. I loved teaching, but I felt my transformation was not finished. Never did I suspect where God was leading me. It was like a big surprise party when the host kept everything hidden until the big reveal. 

Only it wasn’t a party at all, it was the lowest time in my life. Cancer was winning the earthly battle of consuming Lowell’s body. I often felt hopeless and frustrated as I watched him struggle. The pandemic shutdown came when I needed to be home the most. Less than five months later, Lowell’s body succumbed. He didn’t go without fighting to the very end, as he continued to share God’s word in worship and in the infusion center where he received chemotherapy. 

It was during this time that God slowly began to reveal a plan that completely surprised me. When I considered the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, becoming a pastor never crossed my mind. I believe that being a pastor is not something you choose; it is a calling that chooses you. 

God’s plan gave me the opportunity to work through my grief as I embraced serving others in a new way. I found the peace God promised, and I revel in my future filled with hope. (Sorry, I got long-winded this morning. Must be the preacher in me. Ha! Ha!) This is my story, this is my song. Praising my savior, all the day long. 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Jesus loves me, this I know. Help us focus on God’s love every day. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God loves and provides for us.

God reveals unexpected plans when the time is right! Pastor Liz