Back in 2014, I was serving as the Locum Tenens, the acting Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of France. I was young, 33 years old, and full of vision, ready to step into the role of Primate. My name was considered for the election, but according to the bylaws, you had to be at least 35 years old to qualify. I was two years too young. It felt like a disappointment. I thought, Lord, why would You put this opportunity in front of me if I wasn't able to take it?
But if I had been elected there, I would have stayed in France. I would have never come to America. I would have never stepped into the calling I’m living today, serving as bishop of one of the biggest and most vibrant Armenian dioceses in the world. And let me tell you, my time in France was a blessing. I treasure the people and the community. But God had a greater plan. What I once saw as a setback was really God leading me to something greater than I ever imagined!
Maybe right now, you're facing a disappointment. Maybe a door closed, a relationship didn't work out, a business deal fell through, or a promotion went to someone else. And you’re thinking, God, why? This isn’t fair. But take heart, my friends, God is still in control. He sees the bigger picture. He knows where He’s taking you.
The Scripture says in Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." You may have plans, you may have dreams, and that’s great. But we have to recognize that God’s ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are greater than our thoughts. He knows what He’s doing.
When you look back over your life, you’ll realize that some of your greatest blessings came through what seemed like setbacks. That relationship that didn’t work out—it wasn't a rejection, but a redirection. That job you didn’t get—it wasn’t a loss, but it was God positioning you for something better. If it had worked out your way, you would have settled for less than what God had in store.
So, friends, keep trusting, keep believing, because His plan for your life is bigger, better, and beyond anything you could ever dream!
Tested and tried until reaching the goal set before us!