Hey Bestie,
Can we talk about the unexpected and unpredictable seasons? You know those moments in life where you’re like, Wait… I didn’t sign up for this? Maybe it’s a course you didn’t choose, a job that’s not what you pictured, or the chaos of everyday life during a season of burnout. I hate it so much, but I just have to go with it. And honestly? It’s okay.
Here’s the thing: God’s not surprised by where you are, and He’s not panicking because you’re not where you’re meant to be. In fact, He wants you to bloom right where you are, prospering where He has placed you.
“Bloom where God plants you” isn’t just a cute phrase for Pinterest boards. It’s a reminder that your purpose doesn’t depend on the location, timing, or perfect circumstances. Your growth continues even in the messy, confusing, or stressful seasons.
Think about it like this: every flower blooms in its own time. The soil isn’t always ideal, the weather might be unpredictable, but with the right care, every seed can flourish. And your faith? It’s that care, that nourishment. “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:3. This verse remind us that By trusting God’s provision and timing, you can bear fruit and succeed in any environment, even when circumstances aren’t ideal.
You can find purpose in the unexpected and reflect on your gifts: even if you’re stuck in a season that feels off, you still have talents, skills, and strengths. Take stock of what you bring to the table. Romans 12:6 reminds us: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Your season might be temporary, but your gifts are eternal.
You don’t need the “perfect” job, course, or situation to make a difference. Small acts of service could be: helping a classmate, mentoring someone, volunteering etc can have huge ripple effects. And yes, they count in God’s eyes. You can serve where you are - it all matters.
Seasons of waiting, studying, or even burnout are not wasted. James 1:2-4 says: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.” Growth is happening, even if it doesn’t look like what you expected, you can grow through the struggle.
Instead of wishing you were somewhere else, ask God what He wants you to learn here. Set intentions for yourself, not expectations. Pray for clarity, patience, and creativity. Then take small intentional steps, study with purpose, work with diligence, and live with kindness. God can do more than we can ever expect or imagine - we just need to plant ourselves next to Him. Remember, blooming doesn’t happen overnight. Did you survive that week of exams? Did you finish your project on time? Did you show up even when you didn’t feel like it? Celebrate it. These are the little petals of progress.
Whether it’s exam season, a period of burnout recovery, or a phase that just feels “meh,” God is at work in you. He’s not measuring your location, your grades, or achievements: He’s seeing your heart. Instead of waiting to be in the “perfect” place, start finding joy, growth, and purpose where you are. Because this season? It’s your training ground, your soil, your place to bloom.
Final Thoughts… You don’t need to be somewhere else to matter. You don’t need to have it all figured out to be productive or have an impact. Your purpose can shine wherever God has planted you. So breathe, show up, and let your light bloom, even in the most unexpected places.
With encouragement,
Shola Jones xoxo