I set my goal, and it was a big one. I wanted to create a Leader’s Guide to accompany my newly-released book. Even when I started writing the book, I knew it would one day be used by women to dive deeper into God’s Word through group study. Still, seeing this new goal through to the end would take extreme focus and a heaping dose of determination.

I created a timeline and marked my calendar with the much-anticipated date of completion. I broke each big task into manageable steps. Just like writing the book itself the year before, I knew I could do this with God’s help. But I needed to stay on schedule. That was the key:

Stay. On. Schedule.

Summer proved to be the perfect time for such a huge assignment. Taking an out-of-town sabbatical would give me just the quiet study time I would need. I didn’t know, however, that God had other plans.

Different things happened to interrupt my well-laid-out schedule. Company came for a visit, and I felt a strong nudge from God to lay down my fancy organizer and enjoy precious time making memories with loved-ones. Then, a frightening interruption. One that would eventually send me to the hospital and leave me unable to do anything for several weeks.

My goal to do this great thing for God came to a screeching halt.

Instead, the lofty dream faded. Now I just longed to do simple things, like take a walk down my street again. Cook dinner for my family again. Feel like myself again. But healing was slow going, and summer soon came to an end.

During that time, I watched many of my friends racing along at warp speed, accomplishing one great thing after another. Before I knew it, I began comparing my pace with theirs. I seemed to be moving like a snail compared to them...

Please join me over at Sweet to the Soul to continue reading today's message.

Interested in learning more about Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan? Visit the book page here to find fun graphics, tweets, and a link to purchase your copy. Over It is available in print or Kindle e-book version. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book directly benefit the More Than Yourself, Inc. college scholarship program for junior high girls. Click here to see last year’s scholarship recipients. This year’s contest is opening soon! Winners of the 2016/17 scholarships will be announced in March.

I’m a list-making machine. I even have a file folder on my desk marked, “To-Do Folder,” in big Sharpie letters. I often plan out months in advance, making sure to prioritize urgent needs or time-sensitive projects.

Balance.

I need it. I crave it. Especially with working full-time, writing and speaking commitments, and wanting to keep God and family first.

So what happens when struggles postpone your plans?

Whether it’s an unexpected illness, a family member who needs you, or an extra project at work piled on your desk, life’s interruptions can derail our perfectly laid-out plans.

And honestly, that sends my emotions spiraling. But I’ve recently learned a few tips to help keep a godly perspective when struggles postpone my plans. Here are three tips to help us during those challenging times.

1. Go with the flow.

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way, though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand,” (Psalm 37:23-24 ESV).

Photo courtesy of Garrett Brown

It may not seem reasonable to think God would allow a struggle to place a pause in our path. But many times throughout Scripture, God allowed circumstances to lead his people in a new direction. This sometimes even caused a diverted course, leaving their original plans to be postponed.

God can do the same for us. And when we accept His sovereign direction, we learn to go with the flow. We also find glimpses of God at work, even in the waiting.

2. Release the guilt.

My husband is having to do all the dishes and laundry. I can’t attend my son’s band performance this week. Physical limitations and temporary illness can keep us away from our usual responsibilities.

We must let go of guilt over not keeping up with our normal work load in these times. Relax. Rejuvenate. This just may be the indicator we needed to put a little rest into our agenda.

3. Look for the God moments. You will find them.

God’s grace and mercy will show up in the simplest of moments. God doesn’t always work in grand gestures. And as we keep our eyes open to His presence in and through our lives, we will see His love and care in the midst of our situations.

An unexpected letter of encouragement from a friend. A kind email, acknowledging a job well-done. A heartfelt call expressing gratitude. God is in all of these and much more. We only need to pay attention.

Have struggles in your life lately caused some important plans to be postponed? Let’s take a deep breath together and trust God’s timing today.

What we experience in the waiting will bring us into a deeper, more faith-filled relationship with our Loving Father.