“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Few things cause us to question God’s plans more than the painful chapters of our lives. Regret, broken relationships, past sins, and seasons of waiting can leave us wondering whether those experiences have permanently disqualified us from being used by Him. Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly demonstrates that He is in the business of redemption. He delights in taking what was broken and transforming it into something that displays His grace.
That truth shines through the story of Autumn Robertson, executive director of Echoz Pregnancy Care Center in Great Falls, Montana. During a recent conversation on CareNet TV, Autumn shared how God unexpectedly led her into pregnancy center ministry, walked her through healing after a past abortion, and ultimately used her own story to help countless women, men, and families encounter hope. Her journey reminds us that God rarely wastes our wounds. Instead, He often turns them into ministry.
3 Key Points from this Care Net TV Conversation
#1 God Often Calls Us Through the Places We Least Expect
Sometimes God’s calling arrives quietly, through what seems like an ordinary conversation or unexpected opportunity. Autumn never planned to work at a pregnancy center. In fact, after moving to Montana, she intended to spend the summer settling into a new home and serving at church camps before looking for work. Yet through a conversation at church and the persistent prompting of the Holy Spirit, God opened a door she never anticipated. Looking back, she can clearly see that the Lord was directing every step long before she recognized His plan.
#2 God’s Grace Turns Our Greatest Regrets Into Ministry
During her job interview, Autumn learned that anyone serving at the pregnancy center who had experienced abortion was expected to complete an abortion recovery program. In a moment she still describes as entirely led by the Holy Spirit, she admitted she needed that healing herself. Instead of closing the door, God used that confession to begin restoring her heart. Today, the experience she once wanted to hide has become one of the greatest ways she connects with others. As Roland Warren observed during their conversation, God is continually redeeming, restoring, and reconciling our stories for His glory.
#3 God’s Timing Is Always Better Than Our Timeline
One of Autumn’s greatest passions was building a ministry to fathers. Although God placed that burden on her heart when she first became executive director, it took years before the opportunity fully developed. Looking back, she now sees that those years were not wasted—they were preparation. Today, through Care Net’s Pacific Northwest Fatherhood Project, Echoz is helping fathers discover that they have a voice, a purpose, and a God-given role in the lives of their children. Her story is a powerful reminder that God is never late. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness” (2 Peter 3:9). His timing is always perfect.
Whether your story includes abortion, broken relationships, family struggles, or years of waiting, God’s grace is greater than your past. He is still writing your story, and He specializes in using redeemed lives to bring hope to others. The very chapter you wish had never happened may become the testimony He uses to lead someone else to healing, faith, and abundant life.
If you’re ready to explore more about the Pro Abundant Life vision of our ministry, visit Care Net Free Resources to learn more and take your next step.