When You’re Faced With the Unexpected

I prayed, “Jesus help me!” then grabbed a hammer and climbed out the window …

It all started one night while Luke worked away from home and my 5 oldest kids vacationed at grandma’s. I sat at home with our newborn baby girl and our dog. The dog needed to eat, so I walked with her to the door. I opened it to find an empty bowl. So, with the baby asleep in her chair, I stepped into the garage to refill the dog food.

The door shut behind me. I knew it before I checked. The door was locked. My heart skipped a beat as I confronted the reality of the situation.

Husband: Gone.

Keys: In the house.

Phone: In the house.

Baby: In the house.

Everything but me and the dog were in the house, and we had no way to get back into the house. Now what?

I turned the doorknob time and time again hoping somehow it would open. I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to pray. So, I prayed – all the while frantically forming a game-plan for how to get back in the house.

I whispered, “Jesus help me!” then reached for the hammer I found conveniently located near the dog bowl.

I combined my best effort with sheer determination and set out to make something happen.

I must break in the house. There’s no other way, I reasoned.

I carefully considered the best window to bash and started swinging. Apparently we have hammer-proof glass. I banged once, twice, three times. Nothing. Then I really put my weight behind it and … nothing! Not even a crack!

I moved to another window and finally broke through only to find out it was double-paned glass. UGH! Are you serious?!

There I stood in the dark, hammer in hand (did I mention it was raining?), and still no way in the house.

I felt a nudge to pray again, but this time with a new word inserted, “STOP and pray.” This time –

I traded the “pray as I go” theory for the “pray and let God go” solution.

With a much clearer perspective, I popped the locked door open. It only took a few minutes and did not, I repeat, did not require the assistance of a hammer.

The baby slept soundly unaware of the fiasco that just unfolded. My heart stopped pounding and what moments before scared me senseless now left me laughing. What had seemed so hard before became simple and fairly painless.

Sometimes our instincts send us racing down the trail of our best effort, and it’s only after we drag ourselves back to the starting line, drenched and out of options, that we finally let God lead the way.

God’s steps are untraceable. Only He knows the next step.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways!” Romans 11:33 (AMP)

When I feel trapped by life’s moments, my eyes want to react to what I see. What I perceive dictates what I pursue.

But when I fix my gaze on God, who knows all and sees all, I can stand and wait for His plan.

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120 Comments

  2. I would like to learn more about, “How to make plans without overstepping God’s control”. How to give God total and complete control of my life, trusting Him every step of the way, and resisting the urge to take back control, attempting to do things within myself, which always fails.

  3. How to make plans without overstepping God’s control

    I am most excited about this step. I recently. Lost my apartment due to separation from my husband. Lost 2 friends due to sepsis. And now my father passed away one of the causes sepsis. I survived sepsis 4 years ago.

  4. I would like to learn more about -The Key to Self Doubt also…. I need to simplify my life! 😀
    Thank you in advance for sharing what God has shown you!

  7. This sounds like a wonderful course. I am in definite need to get rid of the self doubt and my insecurities. I also want to learn to simplify my life so that I feel more in control of the things that I need to handle. Thanks for the chance to win free access to your course.

  8. Thank you so much for this. I know simplicity is a matter of where I put my focus. I want to live a life simplified. We tend to make life more difficult than it needs to be. I seem to want to rush with plans & solutions at times. I desperately need to learn how to make plans with overstepping God’s control. My greatest prayer is all of Him, and none of me but I seem to fail at this all too often.

  9. I woukd live to hear your wisdom and experience on how to make plans without overstepping God’s control.

  11. Hello Katy, Congratulations on the blog and your writing in Proverbs 31, where I learned of your beautiful and rich message from God.
    I have been a resident of Japan for 14 years. I am a Bible study leader for women in the Revival Ministry of the Faith. I love what I do, I love and glorify what God has put in my hands to do, but I am often so overwhelmed, Knot in my thoughts … so I would like to have the opportunity to acquire A Simplified Life.
    I WANT TO LIVE SIMPLIFIED!
    Thank you for the opportunity to be reading and following your blog.
    Domo Arigatou gozaimazu!
    Marina desu
    Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

  13. This time in my life…. a place I never imagined would come, has bore down upon me for 4 1/2yrs now, even resulting in a broken marriage and multiple other issues. I’ve begged God to show me what the purpose is, what the fruit of all of this is… silence, and seemingly no resolution.

    I desperately need to live more simplified. Especially to slow the pace, to hear God’s voice, to change whatever it is that HE needs me to change.

    I’d be very honored to win this give away. It couldn’t come at a more timely place in life.

    Many blessings,
    Andrea

  14. I have been blessed by your blog! I very interested in your online course. The point that interests me the most is:

    -The key to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity

    God bless your family and ministry!!

  17. Since I did a study on spiritual disciplines,
    God has been prompting me to find ways to incorporate simplicity into my life. My heart’s long has become “I want to live simplified.”

  18. I want to live simplified! I’m most interested in learning more about making plans without overstepping God’s control. Thank you Katy!

  19. I want to live simplified. The thing that made me most excited was learning specific steps to help me address and conquer sin and temptation.

  21. I struggle with the baggage of insecurity and self doubt. My desire is to overcome picking up that baggage and simply be me! To glorify Him as I am who He created me to be.

  22. I need to live simplified! I am one blessed mama of four but I am drowning in momity and I feel overwhelmed by my house and children. For the first time in my adult life I feel incapable.

  24. This sounds great, thanks for the opportunity. I would like to learn more about, How to make plans without overstepping God’s control

  26. How cool to find this this morning!
    “…Vital that I simplify my life now” jumped off the page. God has been tugging at my heart to let Him lead in my home business…it’s been hard as I’ve faced obstacles & insecurities. Thank you for offering this give away, Katy!

  28. I would love to learn how to make plans but not let them get in the way of God’s plans.

  29. I want to live life simplified! It would be so encouraging to learn how to make plans without overstepping God’s control. Thank you!

  30. I want to live a life simplified. I am interested in all of it but most especially in how to plan without overstepping God’s control. I am a planner so this is something I struggle with daily.

    Thank you.

  31. At 68, I recently experienced a most unexpected cardiac event. Praising God for a positive outcome, but realizomg I need to pursue a more simplified life.

  35. Hello Katy*
    ‼️ I want to live simplified.‼️ Yes, all of the above, your key points to living simplified; the one question, balancing and staying in sync with God, tackling self-doubt, moving from sin and ‘the’ reasons why. Thank you for this giving gift. I hope I am gifted and able to ripple the insights.

  36. My biggest hurdle is self-doubt and insecurity in who God made me to be. That part sounds freeing and wonderful! Thanks so much!

  38. I am a planner with control freak tendencies. I am very interested in this program-especially how to make plans without overstepping God’s control. I’ve been encouraged by your words for many years now but especially today. Blessings!

  39. I’m the same as Robin! I’m always worried that my goals aren’t God’s goals…so the part about not overstepping God’s control appeals to me as well. Thank you for the opportunity to win the giveaway! : )

  43. I want to live simplified but also knowing that I’m in His perfect will for this season of my life.

  44. I need to learn how to make plans without overstepping God’s control. I want to always fix everything and I need to learn how to wait on God and know He is in control.

  45. I want to live life simplified and be more available to follow God’s instructions! Thanks!

  46. I am excited about learning to make plans without overstepping HIS. I want to live simplified.

  47. Good morning! This course sounds amazing. Every bullet point you listed I could certainly benefit from. One that really caught my eye was how to make plans without overstepping God’s control. Constantly I write out all of these plans and agendas when sometimes I feel if I was more of a free spirit and just trusted God to lead me that i would then be following His will more and not mine. God bless you sweet sister and thanks for sharing!!!

  48. I am very interested to find out the key to taking on self doubt and insecurity. I’ve been dealing with that way too long.

  50. I want to live my life more simplified AND focused! I need so much to just ‘Let go and let God!’ Thanks and God bless!!!

  51. The key to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity. You would think at almost 40 and six kids I would have this figured out but it is still a daily thing I have to walk out! I life simplified sounds amazing:)

  52. I long to serve God on HIS terms, so I NEED to live a life “simplified!” I’m especially excited about the section on tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity.

  53. The one that I need the most is “How to make plans without overstepping God’s control.” I am a planner. I not only have a plan, but I usually have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. And while I think it is good to have a plan, I also think it’s better to follow God’s plan. I could use help discerning that.

  54. Oh how I long to live simplified! I would say that I’m most interested in learning more about making plans without overstepping God’s control. Thank you Katy!

    ~Kimberly

  56. A simplified life-really?! Is that even within the realms of possibility….
    Feel like I barely have time to draw breath between being wife, mother of two (one with special needs), working two part-time jobs and supporting my husband in our home business, and somehow in there trying to home educate our children, not to mention make time to love and serve brothers and sisters in the Lord at our church…
    Finding time to ‘figure out’ what to simplify just doesn’t seem to happen.
    YES PLEASE- I want to live simplified!- I’d be so grateful if you would share how God has helped you live a simplified life.
    Thanks so much for caring enough to want others to benefit from what the
    Lord has shown you.
    I have been so encouraged by your relevant, down to earth posts.
    L ????

    Isaiah 58:11, “And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (ESV)

  60. HI Katy! I want to live life simplified! For me, I want to know how to radically change to be available to follow God. As my adult children are moving forward in their lives and careers, I want to help them remember that God is in control of their plans and to let God open their doors. There is so much I want to do! I better get my life simplified! 🙂

  61. How to make plans without overstepping God’s control! That’s a hard one for me… thanks, Katy for preparing a way for us to explore this topic.

  62. I want and need to live simplified. I am interested in learning about it all but learning about how to become more available to follow God really speaks to me.

  63. I read something yesterday that said “Life is NOT about the pursuit of happiness…
    It IS about joy in the pursuit of God.

    It’s about embracing the journey God has called you to for the time He has called you to do it, in the circumstances He has placed you in.” that was powerful and one way to try to live life simplified stop pursing happiness(being in control) and start pursing God in all things (complete trust) and in turn he gives the absolute joy…God has shown me i always try to be in control so nothing tweaks my joy and when things go wrong i spiral out of control…i need to learn to let God control everything i would be happiest to learn that for simple living

  64. I need all of these areas to be honest. But the one I need the most right now is how to make plans without overstepping God’s control.

  66. I want to learn how to make plans while still letting God be in control. I know I foolishly spend so much energy trying to figure out the “right” way to do things, or trying to guess what God wants me to do… or if we’re honest, just trying to control my circumstances myself. I need to know how to move without trying to second guess or overstep God’s wil lfor my life!

  67. I’m most interested in tackling self-doubt and insecurity. I have struggled with this all my life and am back in a situation where I seriously doubted myself and old habits of doubt are coming back in full force.

  68. I have 5 beautiful children that have been an answer to prayers. In this incredibly busy and challenging season of my life, I am desperate to learn how to live life simplified. Most importantly I wish to learn how to make plans without overstepping God’s control. Practical and godly advice would be a real blessing to me as I struggle with fear and anxiety. Thank you for all the resources you provide in these areas. May God continue to bless your ministry.

  69. I want to live simplified! Mostly I want to learn to deal with my self-doubt and insecurities so I am no longer trapped in an abusive relationship.

  70. I want to live life simplied! I want to learn more about making plans without overstepping God’s control.

  71. I’m most excited to find practical ideas I can immediately apply to help me stay focused on God’s mission right where I am. I wish to learn how to make plans in my life to find God’s mission for me- getting distracted and caught up in momentary tasks so easily engulfs my life. I seek the opportunity to stop and let God work through me right where I am.

  72. Making plans without stepping on God’s!!! The control freak in me always struggles with “is this what God wants me to do?”, ” is this where I’m suppose to go?”, cause I can’t just sit here in bed waiting, I have to live my life each day!

    1. Absolutely, Amen! to this, totally understand exactly what your talking about. Love this!!!

  74. I want to live simplified and learn more about making plans while not overstepping God’s plans and control. Thanks!!

  76. I very drastically need my life simplified. I believe I would be most excited about “the key to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity”, firstly, & “specific steps to help you address and conquer sin and temptation”, secondly. Btw, I loved her story. I pictured it all in my mind & found it quite humorous! Thank you for the literal LOL & lifted spirit from the laughter & delight!

  79. I want to live simplified! I’m overwhelmed with special and medical needs and want to live a life of joy. I want to follow God’s path and to know how to stay inside the boundaries of where he wants me.

  80. I would like to know more about “The key to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity” I am a young mom in her early twenties with 3 children 4 and under and struggle with fear and anxiety!

  82. I definitely do need to simplify my life but I need more help on learning the
    keys to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity.
    I have been divorced for about 2 years now after being married 21 years and having 2 children. One of which is 10 and I am raising as a single Mom.
    My major insecurities and self-doubt are a result of the divorce and the way I was always put down toward the end of that marriage. I just can’t seem to get back to the person I used to be!

  83. How to make plans without overstepping God’s control.

    Also, I wrote in my journal today a quote from this blog post…”When I feel trapped by life’s moments, my eyes want to react to what I see. What I perceive dictates what I pursue. But when I fix my gaze on God, who knows all and sees all, I can stand and wait for His plan.”

    Thank you for all you do for His kingdom!

  85. I want to live simplified. I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, and now IS the time for me to learn to live simplified!

  87. I’m so excited about all of the bullet points, but most excited about learning to tackle self doubt!

  90. I am 47 and exhausted from my insecurities and self doubt. I have overcome sooooooo much in my life and cognitively know I have so much to be proud of based on what I’ve been through, however I still do not see myself the way God sees me. I sooooo want to. I am a mom of 5 and want to overcome my insecurities and self doubt-I do NOT want to pass these on to my children. Also, with being a FT working mom and is having 5 children I want to learn how to simplify my life. Sooooo grateful God brought me to your path this AM. thank you !!!!

  92. I’d like to learn specific steps to help me address and conquer sin and temptation.

  94. I need to learn to live a simplified life. I push myself to stay busy. I know this is not right. It is so hard to slow down.

  96. How to make plans without overstepping God’s control this is what I would love to learn the most from each point given. I never want to overstep anything to disappoint God. I want my will to be his will, yet at same time I want my family to enjoy life while doing so. This would bring a lot of insight in how to do both! Thank you for the blog 🙂

  97. Hi Katy, I need to find “the key to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity” especially in this season of transition in my life. Having been a mother and wife for more than 20 years, being left by a husband and soon having an empty nest I face a different future than I had ever expected. Your course might provide me with encouragement to overcome my obstacle of doubt about myself, my abilities, my purpose.

  98. How to make plans without overstepping God’s control…that’s a hard one! I would love some words of advice in that department! 😉

  100. I need to learn to live simplified! Married, 5 kids, work full time from home. Need all the help I can get! 🙂

  102. I could use some insight into The key to tackling and defeating self-doubt and insecurity… and to living simplified in general!

  103. Desperately need “How to make plans without overstepping God’s control!!”
    I’m job hunting, a little scared and trying not to pull out that hammer. – if I could find it! I just had to face the reality that I really am a control freak and with the pressure of feeling that time is running out it’s getting worse.
    Yep, me making plans with God being in the driver’s seat would be wonderful!

  105. This so resonated with me Katy! My husband and I accidentally locked our baby twins in an adjoining hotel room years ago! My husband was ready to knock the door down, but luckily the Holy Spirit intervened and whispered to us to just pop the lock! What a flood of relief after we opened that door and our two innocent littles were resting peacefully in their private abode!

    I would LOVE to win the giveaway! I’d definitely LOVE some advice on how to shirk my unwelcome friends: self-doubt and insecurity!

    Thanks for all your encouragaing words! They lift me up every week!

  108. They all sound great to me and I know I could use all of them in my life.
    I want to live simplified.

  113. I want and need A life simplified. I am a middle school teacher; rough year,car accident; my fault, would like a decent vehicle. Recovering from hernia surgery, (never had surgery before ) yuck! Have 15 year old twins (amazing blessings, one w/ special needs Cohen syndrome & one gifted), bipolar hubbie, financial issues. I would like to simplify my life! Thank you for your message, Cassy

  114. I don’t just want to live simplified, I need to live simplified. Making plans, overcoming temptations….I need it all!

  115. All of these lessons sound great, but I am certainly most intrigued by “The number one reason it is vital that you simplify your life now!” Thanks for living your life well and for impacting so many lives! Blessings!

  117. Life simplified would be a blessing. My life is filled with the gift of taking care of others, but I find that there is not enough time, and I end up feeling empty…depleted…as if there is just not enough of me. Because I believe that this is God’s role for me at this time, and I am glad to walk this path, It can be more than all consuming.

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