When God Says “Yes”… Just Not the Way You Expected

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage in Spain—well, technically it starts in France—and it stretches nearly 500 miles. It’s grueling. Sacred. Historic. And every year, hundreds of thousands of people walk it, following in the footsteps of St. James the Greater.

A few months ago, I felt an overwhelming call to go. It hit me so hard, I was sure it was from God. But I also knew… there was no way. My body wouldn’t hold up to that kind of journey. It felt confusing. Why would God put something so strong on my heart if I physically couldn’t do it?

Then a book showed up in the mail from Dynamic Catholic.

It sat on my desk for weeks. I didn’t think much of it—just another book they send from time to time. Eventually I opened it. It’s called The Forgotten Way. And just a few pages in, I realized this book wasn’t about James the Greater… it was about James the Lesser—the apostle who wrote the book of James in the Bible.

Then came the line that stopped me cold:

“There is another Camino Way—no easier and no less effective than the Camino de Santiago.”

I froze.

This was it.

This was the Camino God had for me—not a physical path across Spain, but a spiritual way He was calling me to walk right here, right now. Not one of miles and boots and trails, but one of humility, obedience, and love—the kind of way James the Lesser lived and taught.

It’s rare in life to feel your soul tremble. But that’s exactly what happened. Because I knew—absolutely knew—that God was reaching down and inviting me into something that wasn’t a substitute plan… it was the real one. The right one. The one He had in mind all along.

Reflection Questions:

Has God ever redirected your plans in a way that didn’t make sense—until it did?
What “way” is God calling you to walk right now, even if it’s not what you expected?
Are you open to the path that looks smaller—but might actually lead deeper?