Not Part of the Plan

Trusting God with the Twists and Turns of Your Story

by: Kristen Clark, Bethany Beal

• Format

  Paperback

  ISBN

  9780801094729

  Dimensions

  5.5 x 8.5

  Pub. Date

  Oct 2021

  SRP

  $16.99

  Carton Quantity

  32

  Number of pages

  240

  Buy

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781493432844

  Pub. Date

  Oct 2021

  SRP

  $16.99

  Buy

About

God is still writing your story

What happens when life doesn't turn out the way you always imagined? How do you stay hopeful when disappointments, unfulfilled longings, and frustrating detours come knocking on your door? Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal have asked these same questions themselves.

In Not Part of the Plan, they open up their lives in the most raw and relatable way, sharing their own journeys through unexpected seasons of infertility, singleness, loss, and heartbreak. But in the midst of it all, they've learned that true hope doesn't come from getting the life you always dreamed of but from trusting God with the life He has for you and believing that His plans truly are good.

Sister, wherever you are on your journey, your life has purpose and meaning in Christ, and thriving is possible--right now.


"If life has thrown you a curveball and your future feels hard and scary, Not Part of the Plan is the book for you. You'll laugh. You'll cry. But most of all, you'll appreciate the advice of these wise friends as they teach you how to walk through pain and uncertainty and lead you toward a hope-filled tomorrow."--Mary A. Kassian, author of Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild

"Bethany and Kristen address the struggles we face when life takes unwanted detours and show us through Scripture and experience that our ultimate hope is found in Christ. Even in life's disappointments, we can be completely confident in God's greater plan that is for our good and for His glory."--Gretchen Saffles, author of The Well-Watered Woman, founder of Well-Watered Women

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Endorsements

"If life has thrown you a curveball and your future feels hard and scary, Not Part of the Plan is the book for you. Kristen and Bethany have been there. In these pages, they share their deepest disappointments, heartbreaks, and fears. They are gifted storytellers. You'll laugh. You'll cry. But most of all, you'll appreciate the advice of these wise friends as they teach you how to walk through pain and uncertainty and lead you toward a hope-filled tomorrow."

Mary A. Kassian, author of Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild

"What do you do when your 'once upon a time' story doesn't seem to be heading in the direction of 'happily ever after'? In Not Part of the Plan, Bethany and Kristen address the struggles we face when life takes unwanted detours and show us through Scripture and experience that our ultimate hope is found in Christ. Even in life's disappointments, we can be completely confident in God's greater plan that is for our good and for His glory."

Gretchen Saffles, author of The Well-Watered Woman, founder of Well-Watered Women

"This hidden-behind-a-filter generation urgently needs a dose of reality that points them to the true source of hope. That is why Kristen and Bethany have taken a bold step to open their hearts in a raw and vulnerable way to meet you where you are. Take their hands as they guide you to the right path. Trust me; down the road you will find genuine joy. You'll find Jesus!"

Betsy Gómez, popular author, speaker, and blogger with a passion to help others savor the gospel

"Reading Not Part of the Plan challenged me to keep my life with an open hand to God. Kristen and Bethany have a beautiful gift for meshing theological truths with practical encouragement for any girl in any season. If you're looking to find hope in the fact that God's ways are better, this book is for you."

Tara Sun, host of the Truth Talks with Tara podcast

"Not Part of the Plan is a must-read for girls of all ages who want to understand God's will for their lives. This is another excellent book by Kristen and Bethany, who have a unique way of being authentic and biblical--something our culture desperately needs! You will be refreshed after reading this book and ready to trust God with your story. Highly recommend!"

Julia Jeffress Sadler, author of Pray Big Things and host of the Unapologetic show

"In a time when self-help books often replace solid biblical teaching, women in today's culture are taught your inner strength can help you become successful or 'manifest' your dreams to reality. The world's standard says the inability to overcome hard times and disappointments is because we did not work hard enough. Bethany and Kristen's book reiterates the truth of God: that He is the ultimate source of strength and our source of purpose and joy in the midst of difficult seasons. This book spoke deeply to a lot of wounds and 'letdowns' I have had over the years and even to difficulties I am currently dealing with. It points to Jesus over and over as our hope and source of contentment. I am so glad I do not have to handle failings or disappointment by trying to fix myself and 'do better' but instead am able to bring all of it to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

Emma Faye Rudkin, founder of Aid the Silent

"Plans are funny things. They can make us feel like we run the world one minute and then completely break our hearts the next! Kristen and Bethany know what it's like to see their plans fall through and are learning, along with the rest of us, how to entrust the unexpected to a loving God. These sisters will leave you laughing, crying, and falling more in love with Jesus, the One whose plan never fails!"

Naomi Vacaro, founder of Wholehearted Quiet Time

"Kristen and Bethany beautifully remind us that the gospel applies to any and every season of life. A much-needed reminder for women of all ages! Definitely a must-read."

Abby Houston, founder of Melodically Memorizing

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