In 2021, I used the devotional New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp. It was such an excellent addition to my library, and it’s time that I used it again. Sadly, I can’t find the copy I had which was highlighted on so many pages. So I’m starting over again with a new copy.
That July, I wrote a post called, My Story is Not an Autobiography. You can go here to read it, but the most important part of what it said is this:
This morning I read a wonderful devotion in New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp. It began:
You simply can’t debate it—God’s way is better than your way. His plan is infinitely better than any plan you would have for yourself.
The author told of a time of discouragement in his life and how he had plans to change things in one direction to get himself out of the mess he perceived he was in. But then God stepped in and pointed him another way. (It was more profound than that, but I’m summarizing in two sentences.) Toward the end of the devotion, he said this:
Your story isn’t an autobiography either. Your story is a biography of wisdom and grace written by another. Every turn he writes into your story is right. Every twist of the plot is for the best. Every new character or unexpected event is a tool of his grace. Each new chapter advances his purpose.
Okay, back to today.
When I read that post again as I was searching for something else entirely on my website, it reminded me of a specific situation in my life that I’d been unable to correct for many years. Beginning in March 2025, God moved to accomplish the change He wanted. It didn’t look like what I had tried to do myself. I would never have envisioned what He would do in a million years. But it was so obviously Him at work that I couldn’t deny it. In so many ways, even though it might not have looked like it to others, He worked a miracle in my life.
Once God “got the ball rolling,” there were still times I might have gotten in the way and mucked up the works (old habits die hard). But in His mercy, He didn’t allow that to happen. Through little miracles and bigger ones that often included friends and family and counselors and church members, my Father in heaven changed that chapter.
A year and a half later, I still look back and “read” that portion of my story and shake my head and marvel at what God did. And what He is still doing. Because he isn’t done with me yet. As long as I draw breath, He will continue to write my biography with wisdom and grace.
He is writing yours too. Does it look strange to you? Unexpected? Is the path more difficult than you wanted? Is life out of sync? Don’t worry. The Author of Life is writing your story. Quit trying to write your autobiography. Relinquish the pen, and let Him tell it.
~robin
Loved this Robin! I’ve heard many times, “quit trying to grab the pen out of God’s hands”.
Thanks, Gail.
I, too, love Tripp’s New Morning Mercies. I’ve used it for the past 2-1/2 years. In the beginning, I was loathe to highlight or underline because I thought I might pass it on to someone else. Now, it is jam-packed with sticky note place holders and I realize, I should just give in and underline away! I have since bought a new copy I’m holding in reserve to give to the right person when the Lord brings that person along.
What a wonderful gift for someone. I think I must have loaned my copy. If not, now that I purchased a new copy, I’m sure to find it. LOL!
In reviewing your response to my comment, I see an error in my words. I used loathe with an e, but meant loath (unwilling or reluctant). Oops! Sorry about that.
I was guided to this post at the perfect moment. I’ve never seen the “not an autobiography” point made before, but of course it’s true!! So grateful to be reminded so clearly now, thank you!
God is good. I’m glad you found the post and were blessed by it.
Indeed! May blessings be returned to you tenfold.