Bloom Where You’re Planted: Trusting God’s Purpose in a Hard Season
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a place you don’t want to be? Maybe it’s a job that drains you, a season of waiting that feels endless, or a situation you’ve been praying to escape, yet nothing seems to change. I know that feeling all too well because, honestly, it’s where I am right now.
Lately, I’ve been feeling frustrated, discouraged, and just plain tired of where I am. I’ve been praying for open doors, for God to lead me into something new, for clarity on what’s next—but instead, I’m still here, in the same place, wondering why He hasn’t moved me forward yet.
Earlier today, I was venting to a friend about how I’ve been feeling. I told her how I’ve been crying out to God for guidance and clarity, asking Him to show me the next step. And then she asked me something that stopped me in my tracks:
"Do you think maybe He hasn’t opened up the door you’re asking for because He’s trying to teach you something where you are now?"
That question hit me hard. I hadn’t thought about it like that before. I was so focused on what’s next that I wasn’t considering what’s now. Instead of constantly asking God, “When will You move me?” maybe I should be asking, “What do You want me to learn while I’m here?”
What If God Has You Here for a Reason?
Tonight, as I was reading my Bible, I found myself in the story of Joseph. I had to laugh a little because it felt like God was speaking directly to me after the conversation I just had with my friend. It was as if He was saying, "See? I’ve done this before."
So often, we pray for God to open new doors, and when He doesn’t, we assume He isn’t listening. But what if, instead of ignoring our prayers, He’s answering them in a way we didn’t expect? What if the very place we’re trying so hard to leave is exactly where He wants us to grow?
Joseph’s story is a perfect example of this. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and thrown into prison for something he didn’t even do. I can only imagine how many times he must have cried out, “God, get me out of here!” And yet, Joseph remained in those difficult places far longer than he probably wanted. But here’s the thing—God was working in the waiting. He was shaping Joseph, preparing him, and positioning him for something far greater than Joseph could have imagined.
Genesis 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
The place that felt like a prison was actually a place of preparation.
And maybe that’s exactly what God is doing for me. And maybe for you, too.
What Is God Teaching You in This Season?
If God has you somewhere you don’t want to be, maybe it’s time to shift the question from “When will You move me?” to “What do You want me to learn while I’m here?”
Start by asking yourself:
What character traits is God refining in me?
Is He teaching me patience, humility, gratitude, or perseverance?
Is He using me to minister to someone here?
Am I being faithful in the small things, even when I don’t feel like it?
Sometimes, God keeps us in a season because there’s something we need to learn before we can step into the next one. And if we rush the process, we may miss out on the growth He wants to do in us.
Choosing to Trust Instead of Resist
Trusting God’s timing is hard. I won’t pretend it’s not. But I do know that every season—yes, even the hard ones—serve a purpose in His plan.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
That means this season—even the one I don’t fully understand—is intentional. It’s not wasted, and it’s not meaningless.
So, instead of constantly looking for the exit, I’m going to try to embrace where I am. I’m asking God to help me grow in patience, to strengthen my faith, and to trust that He sees the bigger picture even when I can’t. And maybe that’s what you need too, to stop resisting where He has you and start trusting that He’s doing something in you through it.
Encouragement for Those Who Feel Stuck
If you’re feeling stuck, I want to encourage you: You are not forgotten. God sees you, He hears you, and He is working—even in the waiting.
He hasn’t left you where you are without purpose. He hasn’t abandoned you in this season. Even when you don’t understand why He has you here, trust that He is leading you somewhere good.
Instead of praying only for a way out, let’s start praying for wisdom, patience, and faith to grow where He has planted us. Because when we trust Him in the waiting, we allow Him to do the deep, refining work in our hearts that prepares us for what’s ahead.
And when that new door finally opens, we’ll be ready.
Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart that sometimes wrestles with frustration and uncertainty. Lord, You see where I am, and You know my desire for change, but I trust that if You have me here, it’s for a reason. Help me to lean into this season instead of resisting it. Teach me what You want me to learn, refine my heart, and help me grow in patience, faith, and trust in Your perfect plan. Thank You for being with me in every season, even the ones I don’t understand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
