It’s Not What I Expected, But It’s Exactly What I Needed

In this deeply personal episode of Perspectives into Practice, I sit down with my friend Anna, a strong and faith-filled mama of four, to walk through a journey no parent expects. Her youngest daughter, Josie, lives with complex medical needs, and Anna opens up about everything from the shock of prenatal diagnoses to navigating NICU life, surgeries, and the emotional weight of becoming a special needs parent.

We talk about grief, surrender, and the surprising ways God's peace shows up in the middle of chaos. Anna shares how the truth of Genesis 39:2, “The Lord was with Joseph,” became her anchor during Josie’s surgeries and NICU stays. She also found comfort in the name El Roi from Genesis 16:13, which means “the God who sees me.” These scriptures, along with Philippians 4:7 and Psalm 139, helped her hold onto hope in moments when she felt completely undone.

This episode is about more than just survival. It is about trust. It is about what happens when healing does not come the way we expected. Anna reminds us that God does not promise a certain type of life, but He does promise His presence. She encourages anyone walking through hardship to know they are not a victim of their circumstances. Instead, they are seen, known, and carried by a God who adds grace to even the hardest places.

Scripture References:

• Genesis 39:2 – “The Lord was with Joseph”

• Genesis 16:13 – El Roi, “the God who sees me”

• Philippians 4:7 – “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”

• Psalm 139 – God’s intimate knowledge and care for us

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

Whether you are in a season of waiting, parenting through uncertainty, or simply trying to hold onto faith, Anna’s story will encourage you that you are never alone. God is right there, adding grace every step of the way.