Don't Put A Period Where God Has Put A Comma

Life is full of moments that make us feel like something has come to an end. It could be the end of a relationship, a job loss, a failed dream, or an unexpected hardship. In times like these, it's easy to believe that the story is over. We may think our opportunity has passed, and there’s nothing more to hope for. But in God’s plan, things aren't always as final as they seem. "Don’t put a period where God has put a comma" is a powerful reminder that the story isn’t finished yet, even when it looks like it might be.

This phrase encourages us to trust that God has more in store for us. Even when things seem like they’re ending, God might just be preparing to move us to the next chapter. A period means the end of a sentence, but a comma means a pause—something more is coming. In life, we may see what looks like a period, but God may be using that moment as a comma, a pause, to redirect, refresh, or strengthen us for what lies ahead.

Life’s Unplanned Pauses

We all go through times when things don't go as we expect. You may lose a job and think your career is over. Maybe a relationship you thought would last forever comes to an end, leaving you heartbroken and uncertain about the future. You may have a dream that you worked hard for, but no matter how much effort you put in, it didn’t work out. These moments feel like a period—like a final stop.

However, in God's eyes, these moments could just be a comma. He might be pausing your life to prepare you for something greater, something you can’t see yet. The delay or disappointment might be part of a bigger plan that will be revealed over time.

The Bible is Full of Commas

The Bible gives us many examples of times when what seemed like an ending was actually a comma in God's plan. One of the most famous stories is the life of Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers and later put into prison for a crime he didn’t commit. From a human perspective, his life seemed to be full of periods—moments where it looked like everything was over. But each of these was just a comma. God used those difficult experiences to prepare Joseph to eventually become a leader in Egypt, saving many lives during a time of famine.

Another example is the story of Moses. After killing an Egyptian, Moses fled into the desert. He spent 40 years there, and it could have seemed like his life and purpose were over. But God wasn’t finished with Moses. That desert experience was just a comma in the bigger story. Later, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

Even Jesus' death on the cross seemed like a period to his followers. They thought it was the end of everything they believed in. But three days later, Jesus rose from the dead. What looked like the end was actually the beginning of a new chapter—the resurrection, which offers salvation to all who believe.

Trust in God’s Timing

When things don’t go as planned, we might be tempted to feel discouraged, thinking that our story is over. But God sees the bigger picture. He knows that what feels like a delay or a disappointment can be part of His perfect timing. What seems like an ending to us may be just a stepping stone to something even greater.

The Bible says in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This verse reminds us that God’s plans are beyond our understanding. We might not always see the full picture, but we can trust that He knows what He’s doing.

Moving Forward After the Comma

If you’re going through a tough time, it’s important to remember that it’s not the end. It’s just a pause. After every comma, there’s more to the sentence, more to the story. So how can you move forward when you feel stuck at a comma in life?

1. Pray and Trust God: When life throws you a curveball, turn to God in prayer. Ask Him to give you strength, guidance, and the patience to wait for what’s next. Trust that He has a plan, even if you can’t see it yet.

2. Keep Moving: It’s tempting to stop in your tracks when life doesn’t go your way. But don’t let setbacks paralyze you. Keep taking steps forward, even if they’re small. God will guide you in the right direction in His perfect timing.

3. Learn from the Pause: Sometimes, God allows pauses in our life so we can learn and grow. Use the time to reflect on what God might be teaching you. Are there areas in your life that need growth? Are you being called to trust Him more? The comma could be an opportunity for spiritual growth.

4. Stay Hopeful: No matter how dark things may seem, always hold on to hope. God is a God of hope and restoration. He can turn any situation around. Stay hopeful for the good that’s to come, because your story isn’t over.

A Future Full of Possibilities

When you look back on your life, you might see many times where you thought something was over, but it wasn’t. Maybe you didn’t get the job you wanted, but a better opportunity came along later. Or perhaps a relationship ended, and while it was painful, it opened the door for new friendships or even a new love.

Each of these moments can serve as a reminder that God is always working, even when we can’t see it. He is the author of our lives, and He is still writing your story. Don’t rush to put a period where God has only put a comma. He is still at work, and the best is yet to come.

Conclusion

"Don’t put a period where God has put a comma" is a reminder to not lose hope when things don't go as planned. What looks like an ending could be the beginning of something new and better. In life, we often want quick answers and clear directions, but God’s timing is different from ours. Trust that God has a plan for you, even when things seem uncertain. The commas in our lives are just pauses in the greater story that God is writing, and He promises that the final chapter will be good. Stay faithful, stay hopeful, and know that your story isn’t over yet. God still has more to write.