Grieving The Unexpected Life
March is Grief Month at Girls Anthem
Hey GA Family,
Happy March! I appreciate your patience as I sat at God’s feet, listened for His instructions, and rested. With that, we’ll be focusing on themes every month moving forward. Each devotional will tie to that theme. This month’s theme is Grief. Let’s dive right in!
Grief of the Unexpected Life
What happens when we set out to pursue our goals and dreams, only to be disrupted by God—and what He tells us looks totally different from what we had in mind? Well, isn’t that exactly what happened to Mary in Luke 1? She’s visited by the angel Gabriel, who informs her that she has been highly favored by God and chosen to carry the Savior, who would one day save His people from their sins.
While most of us may not have had an angel appear to tell us what God’s plans are, if you’ve spent any amount of time with God over the last few years, I’m sure you’ve realized that what you had in mind and the path you’re currently on are vastly different.
As we explore the theme of grief this month, I wanted to consider the ways we experience grief that aren’t always tied to the loss of a person. Sometimes, it’s the loss of the life we thought we’d have.
I thought I would be a pediatrician, at least ten years into my career by now. Instead, I’m an author, publisher, and ministry leader. Definitely not what I had in mind. I also didn’t think that at 41 I’d still be waiting on marriage and children, though I’m not pressed about it. I also didn’t think I’d be returning to school to pursue a doctorate when what I originally wanted was to be a doctor. Isn’t it funny how God’s plan works? Sometimes the desire was from Him all along, but He takes us a different way so our gifts are maximized and His glory is undeniable.
This week, I want you to study Luke 1 and, as you do, insert yourself into the text. Oftentimes, we don’t see ourselves as highly favored by God because it feels like He’s punishing us when our lives look different than what we expected. Here’s the thing: favor usually shows up when the odds are stacked against us, not when we’re already in favorable conditions. Otherwise, there would be no need for favor.
I want you to take a look at where you may be missing God’s favor because it’s not showing up in your wants. Ask God where He gave you a desire, but you’ve overlooked it because it didn’t unfold the way you imagined. And lastly, ask God to send you an Elizabeth in this season. As 2026 unfolds, the enemy will continue to highlight all the ways your friends’ dreams are coming true while yours aren’t. He’ll lie and say following God isn’t worth it. News flash, enemy: we don’t follow God for our dreams to come true. We follow Him because He’s worthy.
In this season, you may need someone to walk with you who is carrying something similar to you. Elizabeth was carrying John the Baptist when Mary visited her. In fact, the angel tells Mary that Elizabeth is in her sixth month when he appears to her. When Mary goes to see Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps with joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. Those are the kinds of people you need walking with you right now. That way, the grief of the unexpected life can not only be carried alongside someone who gets it, but also nurtured the way God intends.
Can I pray over you?
Father, lift my sister in Christ during this hour. She’s struggling to understand how any of what’s happening in her life right now fits her dreams and goals. Even if she agrees with Your will, the way things are unfolding isn’t happening the way she desired. Wherever she finds herself, strengthen her faith. Help her to have serious cry-out sessions with You, where she doesn’t have to fake the funk but gets to air it all out with You. Then give her the grace to pursue what You’ve placed in front of her while grieving the unexpected life. For those waiting on things You promised, help them grieve the unexpected timeline and remember that the God who made the promise is the God who intends to fulfill it when the earth needs it most. Help her dance in Your love while waiting for things to make sense. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Worship Song: Another Surrender by Woman Evolve Worship
