Plot Twist
I have a HUGE appreciation for any movie or TV series that intentionally foreshadows what is to come in the smallest details—especially if there’s a big plot twist that no one saw coming. Hidden in plain sight but completely obvious when you watch it a second time? Standing ovation from me. I love this kind of artistry.
There are often posters and artwork on the walls behind the characters, or song lyrics and subtle messages playing on a TV in the background—all clues for the viewer, foreshadowing what’s to come. The attention to detail and the amount of creativity it takes to pull this off without giving it away too soon requires an abundance of talent and skill. If you can’t tell, I can really “nerd out” over things like this.
A wonderful takeaway from observing the mind-blowing creativity of the world’s best artists and storytellers is this: their talent is simply a mirror—a reflection of our Creator. He is truly the Master Artist and Storyteller, the One who formed us from dust. The greatest plot-twist writers in the world can’t outshine the God who made them. If we are just humans and He is God, how much more amazing is the story He’s telling through each of us?
Maybe you’ve seen this play out in the lives of others. Throughout our many years of ministry, we’ve gotten to witness so many incredible stories from friends we’ve met along the way. Miraculous pregnancies. Perfectly timed adoptions. A match made in heaven after many years of waiting. A better job opportunity after the door to a dream job slammed shut. Tremendous victories to celebrate—but tremendous pain in the waiting.
Anyone who has experienced a victory like this—a “plot twist” of sorts—will tell you the road felt long and difficult. It was filled with many days of loss, waiting, effort, and tears. Much of the journey felt confusing and frustrating and didn’t make much sense. Following God can feel that way. He doesn’t reveal the plot twists He has for us too early. He invites us to lean in and listen, learning to trust Him as He refines our character along the way. And when that victory finally comes, the details suddenly make sense.
Sometimes the details are big, like these real stories from people we’ve met over the years:
“I didn’t want to move, but I’m so glad I did, because it’s where I met my spouse.”
“When I signed up to host an exchange student and care for someone else’s child, his mom later thanked us by helping pay for IVF so we could have a family of our own.”
Other times, the details are small:
“The same scripture I read last night was in the pastor’s sermon this morning. Then I heard it again on the radio on the way home.”
God guides and directs our lives. He speaks through action, closing and opening doors in big-picture, life-altering ways. He also speaks in whispers—confirming through His Word and godly people we trust that He is moving in our story.
Some victories come, and we rejoice. We look back in awe at how God put the pieces together. Other victories are yet to come. May we take heart and lean in to our wonderful Creator in the waiting, trusting that He will guide and direct our steps. He is the best Story Writer. He hasn’t forgotten you, and He knows exactly what He’s doing.
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow… Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.” Psalms 25:4, 12 NLT
