In February 2020, I met Kristi, the founder of Victorious Living Ministries, at a Rescued Not Arrested (RNA) volunteer banquet. Our lives had taken very different paths before that night, but we would soon learn that God was connecting us for a special purpose.

That evening, I shared how Jesus Christ had changed my life in prison after I received a copy of His Word from RNA volunteers. As I stepped off the stage, Kristi approached me, handed me a Victorious Living magazine, and asked me to consider sharing my story.

I hesitated for a couple of weeks before I finally hammered out my testimony and sent it to her. I didn’t really expect a response, but the next day, I learned my story would be published in VL’s April 2020 issue, alongside RNA’s founder, Roger Munchian.

“You’re an incredible writer, Christina!” Kristi said, encouraging me to submit more articles. She didn’t know about my almost-forgotten childhood dream of being a writer. Likewise, I didn’t know Kristi had prayed for help with the magazine. God brought us together at just the right time to join forces in writing stories for His glory.

In July 2021, I officially joined the Victorious Living Ministries team. Kristi and I joyfully collaborated on the magazine’s production for the next several years, hopefully frustrating Satan with every testimony written (Revelation 12:11).

However, over time, our working relationship encountered some challenges. In my role as production manager, I struggled to meet writing deadlines and keep up with the growing needs of the ministry. Something had to change.

After prayer and some difficult, honest conversations, we both agreed that it was time to redefine my role. I was taken aback by the unexpected waves of grief. Losing something important to us always hurts.

Negative thoughts and feelings of shame and failure arose, and I had to remind myself that my worth and value aren’t tied to a title or role but to God’s unchanging love and the unique gifts He’s given me to do His work.

King David faced a similar situation. He decided to build a temple for God, where the Ark of the Covenant could rest and people could worship the Lord. But God wanted the temple to be built by someone with peacekeeping qualities that David, a warrior, didn’t possess. Imagine the king’s disappointment when he learned that God had chosen Solomon, his son, to do the job instead of David (2 Samuel 7:1–17).

God wasn’t obligated to explain His decision. Still, He took the time to remind David of His faithfulness and made important promises regarding his throne and family.

David praised the Lord and put his heart into the work God assigned to him (2 Samuel 7:18–28). From his royal position, the king rallied the people’s support and served his son by gathering materials and making other necessary preparations. He set Solomon up for success in building the temple and encouraged his son to “be strong and courageous, and do the work” (1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV).

David’s response has helped me navigate this transition. I don’t need to know what the next season holds because God has already prepared my path (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21). I am grateful for His call to serve Him and to Kristi for supporting my growth as a writer and member of the Victorious Living writing team. I am committed to doing whatever God asks with integrity and excellence, just like David did.

Friend, are you disappointed over something that didn’t turn out as you hoped? Please remember that feelings aren’t facts. God is good, and so is His plan for your life, even though it often looks very different than what we envision (Isaiah 55:8–9).

Take a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. Keep your focus on Him and continue to move forward. And in difficult times, be grateful that He has chosen you and saved you for eternity.

Embracing His plan will bring you peace and fulfillment, even when things don’t go as expected.

Christina Kimbrel develops content for use on VL’s many platforms. Once incarcerated, she now ministers hope to those held captive by their past and current circumstances by sharing the message of healing she found in Jesus.