God is the Glitch

God is the Glitch

Have your life all planned out, know what you are going to do with your life, and then suddenly life takes a turn in an unexpected direction?

When that happens, God is the glitch. God is saying, “Back up. I am in charge and you aren’t going the direction I want you to go.”

I had a major moment like this in my life in 1994. I want to share it here.

In late 1993 I decided not to run for another term on city council. I felt at peace with the decision. Then during the spring of 1994, I decided to throw my hat in the ring for county commissioner. I won a 5 way Republican primary, beating out the incumbent and three others. It looked like smooth sailing in a county that was predominately Republican.

During that summer and fall, I attended the fairs, picnics, and parades, meetings, hearings, and candidate forums. I went to everything where a candidate was supposed to go. Everyone said I was a shoo-in.

We posted signs and my husband even built a huge sign, lit with white Christmas lights, on the west end of town.

The night before the election was cold and rainy. We went to a dinner at church. After the dinner, I felt pressed to go to the big lit-up sign. When I pay attention to those inner feelings, I learn something. 

The sign was sitting high on a berm where no one could miss it. I got out of the car and walked alone to the bottom of the sign.

As I stood at the sign, I gave the election into God’s hands. I wanted to win. I knew I could do a good job. But God had other plans.

As I stood with head bowed, I heard a gentle voice say, “And if I ask you to lose?”

I didn’t question. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I slowly walked back to the car. I looked at my husband and said, “It’s over. I will lose the election.”

The next day was difficult. My supporters were so positive and uplifting. How could I tell them about this message from God? I didn’t want to burst their bubble. They had gathered for victory. My heart knew it was going to be a loss.

Since then, some have asked how I could lose a Republican seat, in a predominately Republican county. Even my Democrat friends, who had voted Republican for the first time in their lives, wondered.

I knew. My plan was not God’s plan.

I went through years of being very ill. In 1998, a doctor said I should go to bed as I would never get any better.

God had a better plan. God needed me well. He needed me for Brenna’s sake. God needed me for this day, for this trip.

I did not know that God’s plan meant losing my only beloved daughter. My heart aches for her every day, but I know that she would be happy that her mom has at last reached the place where I am again listening to God’s plan and not trying to do things alone and in my own way.

I have placed this trip into God’s hands and myself into his keeping. God sent a wonderful Taskmaster to take care of the logistics of the trip and arrange a team of people who could do what I cannot do.

When we truly let go and let God have charge, we discover that while God’s plan may also be difficult, he will make a way for all things to work together for His good.

So, when you face a major glitch in your life, know that our loving God cares for you and he has a better plan.