When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn Stay Focused on the Mission by Pastor Mary Kearney
- Pastor Mary Kearney
- May 28
- 2 min read
Life has a way of surprising us. One moment, we’re confidently striding down the path we’ve carefully planned, and the next, a twist in the road throws us off balance. Maybe it’s a job you didn’t get. A relationship that fell apart. A diagnosis you never saw coming. A plan that unraveled. These detours can feel like disruptions — like they’re pulling us away from our purpose.
But what if they’re not?
What if the unexpected is part of the mission?
When you feel lost in the detour, take a moment and remember this: your mission didn’t change. Your calling is still intact. The path may look different, but the purpose remains.
The Disruption Is Not the End
Think of Joseph in the Bible. He had dreams of greatness, but found himself in a pit, then a prison, before ever reaching the palace. Every unexpected turn betrayal, slavery, false accusation seemed like a step backward. But each step was actually a setup. God was using the chaos to position him for impact.
You may not see the full picture right now, and that’s okay. Faith isn’t about seeing the whole staircase — it’s about taking the next step, even when the lights go out.
Don’t Confuse the Route with the Mission
Too often, we get attached to the how and forget the why.
The how may shift: you lose the job, the funding falls through, the timeline extends. But the why — your mission to bring hope, healing, truth, creativity, or compassion into the world — remains unchanged.
If the door closes, it’s not the mission that failed. It’s the method that needs to adapt. You’re still called. You’re still chosen. You’re still here for a reason.
Anchoring in the Storm
When the waves rise, anchors matter. Here are three anchors to hold onto when the unexpected hits:
1. Purpose Over Preference
You may prefer ease, clarity, and comfort but purpose often grows in pressure. Let your calling be louder than your comfort zone.
2. Faith Over Fear
Fear says, “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Faith says, “This must be leading somewhere greater.”
3. Obedience Over Outcome
You’re not responsible for the outcome. You’re responsible for staying faithful. The results are God’s business. The obedience is yours.
The Mission Is Bigger Than You Think
Sometimes, the mission is revealed in the mess. The thing you thought would break you may end up being the thing that builds you — and blesses others through your testimony.
So, when life takes an unexpected turn, don’t give up. Don’t shrink back. Don’t lose heart.
Look up.
Dig deep.
Press on.
Because the mission is still alive in you — and your story isn’t over yet.
You were made for this.
Keep going.
Blessings
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