Finding the Grace to Begin Again When Your Plans Fall Through
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)
I certainly wasn’t expecting an overdue payment notice, so I immediately called the bank to inquire about the notification. The bank had switched software, which meant customers would need to set up automatic transfers and bill pay in the new system. Unfortunately, I had overlooked the previous notice about the switch and didn’t prepare. Gratefully, I was able to set up the new transfer and make the payment without penalties because the loan had a grace period.
Over the last decade, I have had many plans fall through. Good plans. Plans that I believed were within the will of God. Plans that seemed God-aligned, ordained, and brought to fruition. Many times, I thought those plans would lead to the next big step, only to find myself back at ground zero, again. As I’ve matured in my walk with Christ and witnessed His faithfulness in all my detours, I’ve grown more patient and trusting in the Lord. But I still need a grace period to process crushed dreams and upended plans. I need grace to grieve what was and grow into what will be.
Grace is a common word sprinkled throughout Scripture and used in conversations with dear friends who are going through hard times. Friend, I want to encourage you with some gracious words. Biblical grace is God giving us something we don’t deserve. It is a gift. So how do we find the grace to begin again? It begs the question: what gifts do we need to start over?
We accept the gift of dependence on Christ. Asking for help is not weak; it is brave. In Second Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul pleads with God to take away the thorn in his flesh—a messenger from Satan. Instead of removing Paul’s thorn, the Lord tells Paul to lean in closer and depend on His grace, strength, and power. When the path forward is unclear, and you must find the strength to start all over, draw closer to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
Another gift is truly believing that God’s ways are always higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). Our human understanding and perspective are limited, so it serves us best to trust in the One who is omniscient and has unlimited understanding. I spent last year receiving more than a dozen rejection letters for my first book proposal. Each time, it seemed that we were close to a contract, and I got excited and expectant; I received a “no.” I’ve learned that man’s rejection is often God’s redirection. So, I gave myself a grace period to grieve and then resolved to get excited about what God has in store. In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. He uses our trials and triumphs.
If you keep reading Isaiah 55:10-11, it speaks of God’s unfailing word: “…so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.” How comforting and reassuring it is to know that what God has promised us will come to pass and be prosperous. Speak those words over your life, plans, goals, and dreams. Whether it is a failed career, relationship, or unmet dreams, ask the Lord for the courage to begin again and to bless the work you do in the wait. Nothing that God speaks into existence returns empty.
Let’s pray ...
Dear Jesus,
I praise You because You are always good, even when my circumstances don’t feel so good. I know You are working all things for the good of those who love You. I am unsure of where to begin again, but I know You are with me in this valley. I know You have beautiful and prosperous plans for me, and You will make the path clear in Your perfect timing. Help me to be patient and not let this situation deter me from pursuing what You have purposed for me. Give me an obedient heart that is content with my current portion. May I keep my eyes on You always.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/splendens
Related Resource: Hope, Chronic Illness, and Trusting God with Your Kids
When faced with parenting crises, special-needs challenges, fear, and exhaustion, how do you keep moving forward?
Sarah Walton is an author, wife, and mom of four whose family has faced chronic illness, a son with severe behavioral episodes, and years of uncertainty without answers. In this conversation, Sarah talks about what it looked like to survive the hardest seasons of motherhood and how her faith carried her through.
She shares how she learned to grieve her expectations, hold hope and acceptance together, and find small joys when everything felt dark. She also offers practical words for how to support a friend who is suffering — and what not to say. Her new book is "Jesus Will Meet You There." If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Sunday, 16 August 2026.
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