Not What You Were Expecting?

What do you do when the life you imagined you’d be living seems to go in the exact 180-degree opposite direction from where you thought it would? How do you handle the disappointment of broken dreams and a broken heart? Where do you go with the hurt, the unmet expectations, the disillusionment?

If you find yourself struggling with these questions, the story of Ezekiel in the Old Testament is one you may be able to relate to.

Ezekiel had been born into the priestly line of the Israelites. He was on track to begin serving in the Temple of God in Jerusalem when he turned 30. But prior to that milestone birthday, the Babylonians invaded and conquered the nation of Judah and carried many of the Israelites back to Babylon to live in exile. Ezekiel was among that band of exiles.

If there was no Temple, there was no need for priests. The lifelong training and education around the duties Ezekiel had pursued in preparation for fulfilling his role as priest were of no use in Babylon.

And then…the plot twist. Through a dramatic vision, God appeared to Ezekiel and called him to a new position – not as priest, but as prophet to His exiled people. This was not the life Ezekiel had planned, but it was clearly the life God had for him.

In the vision, God was shrouded in holiness, majesty, and power. Ezekiel took it all in – and fell facedown in submission and awe. This was the beginning of a trajectory in his life that he could never have foreseen.

If you read ahead in the story, you’ll discover that Ezekiel’s life as God’s prophet to the exiles wasn’t easy. But he stayed true to the message of God because he was entrusted with its delivery. Ezekiel was faithful even when God’s “ask” cost him greatly.

Whether you’re 30 or 60 or 90, you’ve most likely experienced a departure from the original blueprints you drew up earlier in life – maybe with a far better or a far more challenging outcome than expected.

The key is not in what your circumstances hold – good or bad – but in Who holds them. Look to the Lord – the One Who gives purpose and meaning to all things. Walk closely with Him, leaning into Him for understanding and strength. Share your whole heart with Him – joys, disappointments, gratitude, fears about the future, small victories, weaknesses, confusion. Just don’t take your eyes off His face or let go of His hand. Stay faithful – even when it’s hard.

You serve the God of the “big picture.” He’ll journey with you until heaven’s gates swing wide open, and the life you knew – complete with plot twists - is swallowed up in awe and wonder at His holiness and goodness!

(You can read the entire account of Ezekiel’s first vision from God in Ezekiel 1.)