Sometimes God writes straightforward in twisted lines.

"Sometimes God writes straightforward in twisted lines." — These powerful words by Gloria Trevi convey a profound truth about the mysterious and often paradoxical ways in which God's will works through the lives of individuals. Trevi’s reflection speaks to the complexity of divine providence: that often what appears to be a twisted path or a complicated journey may, in fact, lead to the most profound clarity and fulfillment. This idea aligns with the ancient wisdom that God's ways are beyond human understanding, and that what seems convoluted or difficult may be part of a larger plan that unfolds in mysterious and beautiful ways.

The ancients were keenly aware of this divine paradox. The Greek philosophers often mused about the mystery of the universe, the idea that there are greater forces at play that humans cannot always comprehend. Heraclitus, for instance, famously said, "You cannot step into the same river twice," acknowledging the ever-changing nature of life, where apparent chaos is part of a larger, invisible order. Similarly, the Stoics, like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, taught that life’s difficulties and challenges are not random but are often stepping stones that lead us closer to virtue and wisdom. God’s plan, as Trevi suggests, is sometimes written in twisted lines — paths that might seem perplexing or harsh at first glance but ultimately bring us toward truth and purpose.

The biblical tradition also provides ample reflection on how God's will often works in ways that defy human expectations. In the Book of Job, Job experiences intense suffering and loss, and yet, through his journey, he comes to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Job cannot see the bigger picture during his trials, yet in the end, he is restored and his faith is made stronger. God's actions throughout Job's life are not straightforward, but the unfolding of his journey demonstrates that even in hardship, there is purpose and grace. Similarly, Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, goes through a series of painful events, only to rise to power in Egypt and ultimately save his family. What appeared as twisted and unjust lines in his life became the very path to divine purpose. Like Job and Joseph, we often find that God is writing a story that we do not fully understand in the moment but is ultimately one of restoration, growth, and redemption.

Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose journey toward Indian independence was fraught with trials, suffering, and setbacks. His nonviolent resistance faced incredible resistance and even personal suffering, yet it was in the midst of these struggles that he became a global symbol of peace, justice, and freedom. Gandhi’s path was not straightforward; it was marked by challenges that seemed to defy any simple narrative of success. But through those twisted lines — the difficulties and contradictions — he ultimately led his people toward liberation. His life is a testament to the idea that God can work through struggles and pain, shaping them into a larger divine plan that brings about good.

In our own lives, we can also find that God’s will often unfolds in ways that seem difficult, unpredictable, or confusing. There are times when we feel lost, when the path before us seems full of obstacles or detours. Trevi’s words remind us that God does not always lead us down the most obvious or comfortable route. Sometimes, the most painful moments, the twisted lines, are the very things that refine our character, build our faith, and bring us closer to our true purpose. Just as the vine must be pruned to bear fruit, so too must we endure hardship to grow into the individuals we are meant to be. In this way, suffering and difficulty are not signs of divine abandonment, but of divine shaping and refining.

The lesson we can take from this quote is one of trust and patience. Just as Joseph and Job learned, we too must trust that even when God’s ways seem unclear or difficult, there is purpose in every twist and turn of our lives. We must resist the temptation to judge our journey by immediate circumstances and instead learn to see the larger picture. When we trust that God’s plan is always working in our favor — even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment — we open ourselves to a deeper peace and a more profound connection to the Divine.

So, what practical steps can we take? Let us, first, embrace the uncertainty and difficulties that come our way, knowing that they may be part of the Divine plan. Trusting in God means surrendering our need for control and allowing God’s wisdom to guide us, even when the path seems unclear. Gratitude, too, can help us see beyond the immediate pain. By thanking God each day, even for the twisted lines, we begin to acknowledge that every part of our journey is woven into the larger divine story — a story that leads to our growth, redemption, and purpose. Let us move forward with faith, knowing that, just as God has worked through the challenges of the past, so too will He guide us through the complexities of today.