What happens when God’s plan doesn’t look like your plan

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

One of the famous quotes we often hear is, “If you are not planning, you are planning to fail.” I would like to take it a little further and say, “If you are not planning with God in mind, you are setting yourself up for frustration.” The book of Proverbs tells us, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (Prov. 16:9)
This means that no matter how good or solid our plans are, it is the Lord who ultimately directs our steps.
But this raises an important question:
What happens when your plans are taking you in direction A, while God is calling you toward direction B?

Matthew 1:18-19 (NIV):
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother, Mary, was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet he did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Thank God for Joseph for being faithful to the law. However, we sometimes overlook how difficult this situation must have been for him.
Imagine being engaged to someone and suddenly discovering she is pregnant. In that culture, Joseph had every reason to publicly expose Mary. Many people would have assumed she had been unfaithful. After all, who would easily believe the explanation that the pregnancy was by the Holy Spirit?
Yet Joseph chose mercy. His plan was to divorce Mary quietly, protecting her from public shame.
But God had another plan.

When God Interrupts Your Plan

God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to explain what was happening.
What is interesting is that Joseph did not demand proof or ask for multiple signs. When we compare this to Zechariah earlier in the Gospel story, Zechariah asked for assurance when the angel spoke to him.
Joseph could have done the same. It would have been a fair question.
Yet Joseph trusted what God revealed to him.
This reminds us of something important:
God’s plan does not always have to make sense to us.
Sometimes God leads us down paths we never planned, into situations we never expected.

Trusting the Bigger Picture

There will be moments in life when things seem to move in a direction we did not choose.
Careers change. Opportunities disappear. Doors close. Plans collapse.
But if God is involved, we must learn to trust the process.
God always sees the bigger picture.
We plan based on what we can see today.
God directs based on what He already knows about tomorrow.
Sometimes our knowledge, experience, and logic can even become a barrier. The world teaches us to rely only on what we understand, but God’s wisdom often moves beyond our understanding.

Takeaway

When God’s plan doesn’t look like your plan, don’t panic—trust Him.
Your plans are based on limited vision, but God’s plans come from complete understanding. What seems confusing today may be part of a much greater purpose tomorrow.
Just like Joseph, you may not understand every step, but obedience and trust can place you right in the middle of God’s greatest work.
So continue to plan—but always leave room for God to direct your steps.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Ameni!

I Was Blind, Now I See

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

When Blindness Has a Purpose

In John 9, we encounter a man who was blind from birth. Like the disciples, we might immediately search for a cause. Was it genetics? Was it heredity? Was it something his parents did? Surely there had to be someone to blame.

But Jesus shifts the entire perspective:

“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3)

Imagine what the disciples must have felt hearing that. The blindness was not punishment. It was not random. It had purpose.

This makes us pause and reflect:
How many of us are willing to endure inconvenience so that God’s works may be displayed in us? Have we ever stopped to ask whether what we are going through is an opportunity for God to receive glory?

We are often quick to give God glory after the breakthrough, after the healing, and after the answered prayer. But what about during the process? What about while we are still “blind”?

John 9:8-9 (ESV): The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to beg?” Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.”

When Change Confuses People

Instead of celebrating his healing, the people questioned his identity. They debated whether it was really him.

Isn’t that how it often happens?

When you change, people hesitate. When you grow, they question. When you are no longer who you used to be, they struggle to accept it.

Have you ever noticed that after becoming a Christian, instead of applause, you sometimes receive criticism? Comments like

  • “You’ve changed.”
  • “You think you’re better now.”
  • “You’re so judgmental.”

But Scripture reminds us:

“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

When your eyes are opened, you begin to see differently. You make different choices. You value different things. And not everyone will understand that.

It is striking that instead of rejoicing with the man who could now see, the people questioned and even denied him. Were they expecting him to remain seated and begging? Were they more comfortable with him in his old condition?

Your Voice Matters More Than Theirs

The most powerful line in this passage is simple:

“I am the man.”

While others debated, he declared.

It is very important what you say compared to what they say. No matter how dearly you hold them or how much you value their opinions, your confession matters.

When people question your transformation, you must stand firm and declare:

  • I am not who I used to be.
  • I was blind; now I see.
  • God has done a work in me.

Do not wait for applause. Do not expect universal approval. Transformation often makes others uncomfortable—especially those who knew the “old you.”

Takeaway

Sometimes what feels like blindness, delay, or hardship may be the very platform God uses to display His glory.

And when He changes you, do not be discouraged by those who question your growth. Stand confidently in what God has done.

You may not control what they say —
But you can control what you declare.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Ameni!

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

Trying to Heal Ourselves First

Many of us only go to see a physician after we have tried everything else to treat our injuries or illnesses. In fact, we are often encouraged to try home remedies first. This mindset, however, can quietly shape our spiritual lives too.

For some people, this is why meeting Jesus feels difficult. We want to fix ourselves first. We want to “get better” before coming to Him.

But the job of a physician is to diagnose and treat. You don’t have to meet the physician halfway for healing to begin. Even if you don’t know what is wrong, it is the physician’s responsibility to find out.

In the same way, where we are is exactly where Jesus meets us.

Yet even after He has met us, some of us still hold on to our burdens. The habit of doing things on our own lingers. We carry the weight first and only bring it to Him once it feels lighter. But the truth is simple: He is able to carry any burden—no matter how heavy.

John 5:6 (ESV): When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

Notice something powerful here. Jesus saw the man lying there, and He did not call him to come closer. Jesus could have said, “Come to Me and let Me heal you.” Instead, He went to where the man was lying.

This man had spent most of his life rushing toward the river, competing with others to be healed—always arriving too late. Healing, to him, had always been something he had to chase.

He never imagined that one day, healing would come looking for him.

Jesus Doesn’t Just See—He Knows

Scripture tells us that Jesus knew. Others could see that the man was paralyzed, but to understand his full story, they would have had to ask.

Jesus didn’t need to ask.

He knows what we are going through. He doesn’t just see our condition—He understands our story. That is why we don’t need to fix ourselves before meeting Him.

Someone once said something worth sitting with:

“Churches nowadays—people are no longer coming with their brokenness so that they may be healed, but everyone is dressing up their righteousness.”

Everyone wants to appear strong. Everyone wants to look whole. But healing begins where honesty lives.

Takeaway

What weakness have you learned to live with that Jesus wants to heal?

You don’t have to run.
You don’t have to fix it first.
You don’t have to pretend.

Jesus meets you right where you are.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

When Worship Becomes Just a Moment

I remember the first time I heard someone say, “Worship is a lifestyle.”
I was confused. What do you mean?

Have you ever left a Sunday service saying,
“The worship was amazing—I can’t wait for next week!”
Or maybe the opposite:
“I love this church, but the worship wasn’t my favorite…”

If I’m honest, I’ve said both.

What these reactions reveal is something subtle but important: we often reduce worship to singing on a Sunday. Yet worship is far more than a set, a song list, or a moment—it is a way of life.

John 4
[23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. [24] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (ESV)

Notice this: God is not looking for events or performances.
He is seeking people—true worshipers.

Before we go to worshipping in spirit, we need to deal with the fact that it is possible to worship sincerely and not worship sincerely; it is possible to praise Him with our lips while our hearts are far from Him. That happened during Isaiah’s time, so it is nothing new. So we have to be careful that we sincerely come to Him, not just do it for the sake of it being a religious ritual. Which is where the spirit comes in, because as long as it is attached to a mountain or a church building, it is easy for it to turn into insincere worship. Which is why it has to be the inner, heartfelt devotion that transcends physical locations and rituals.

Worship in Truth: Alignment Matters

Now let’s talk about worship in truth.

Pause and ask yourself:
Does our church’s worship reflect what our church actually teaches?

In many places, what we preach does not show up in how we worship—and that should concern us. When worship starts to feel like performance rather than proclamation, something is off.

God is not looking for performers on a stage.
He is seeking worshipers whose lives and theology align with the truth they sing about.

Takeaway

Is your worship driven by routine—or by relationship?

True worship is not confined to a Sunday service. It is a daily posture of the heart—rooted in sincerity, grounded in truth, and directed toward God alone.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Dependence on Jesus

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

The Struggle With Dependence

Many of us grew up having to be independent.
Some had to raise siblings; others had to raise themselves. Out of necessity, we learned to depend on no one. That independence became a survival skill—and for many of us, a badge of honor.

So when we come into Christianity and are told that we must depend on someone, it feels foreign. Trust doesn’t come easily. Surrender feels risky. We hesitate, wondering if the One we are asked to rely on will truly hold us.

Yet Scripture reminds us that Jesus is not uncertain ground. He is the stone that was tried, rejected, and yet became the chief cornerstone. He is dependable—even when our experiences have taught us otherwise.

Even for those who grew up with support, the desire for independence still runs deep. I know this struggle personally. Independence isn’t wrong, but it can quietly become a barrier. As someone once said:

“Independence can be the pride that is feeding your doubt and keeping you from fully surrendering the way true faith requires.”

Pause and think about that.

John 6:35 (ESV): Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Notice what Jesus does not say.
He doesn’t say, “I have the bread of life.”
If He had, we would rely on what He gives.

Instead, He says, “I am.”

This means our dependence is not on a thing, a blessing, or a provision—but on Him.

Jesus is not a bread of life, as though there are many options. He is the Bread of Life. The only one that truly satisfies.

False Bread and Lingering Hunger

Many people are hungry but don’t realize it.
So they feed on things that look like the bread of life—success, relationships, validation, achievement, and pleasure. These things may satisfy temporarily, but they never sustain.

That is why the hunger returns.
That is why people keep chasing the next thing.

If Jesus is the Bread of Life, and we claim to have come to Him, yet we are constantly spiritually hungry, it is worth pausing to ask:
Am I truly partaking of Him—or merely standing near Him?

Takeaway

What are you feeding on daily that isn’t sustaining your spirit?

True dependence on Jesus isn’t weakness—it’s faith. And it’s the only place where hunger finally ends.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

What Truly Fills Us

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

The Wells That Never Satisfy

Our lives are full of wells that never satisfy. We keep going back to them because we remain thirsty. Some of us even built our own wells—things we believed would last and secure our happiness—only for time to prove us wrong.

As long as everything in this world is temporary, it will never fully fulfill us. It may feel like it does for a moment, but sooner or later, we return to that same well, thirsty again.

That is why the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman is so powerful. Jesus told her that He has something that stands the test of time—and even eternity. No wonder she was interested. I would have been too.

John 4:13-14 (ESV): Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Meeting Jesus Without Pretending

One of the beautiful things about Jesus is that He meets us in ordinary places with extraordinary grace. We don’t have to put on “makeup”—we don’t have to pretend we have it all together.

Imagine if the Samaritan woman had tried to hire a husband after Jesus told her to go call her husband. She might have missed the revelation that she was speaking to a prophet. In the same way today, many of us try to put on an image before Jesus instead of coming honestly.

Paul reminds us to put off what is false and to put on Christ. True transformation begins when we stop pretending and start surrendering.

The Only One Who Truly Fills

Who wouldn’t want a spring of water welling up to eternal life within them? And if that water reaches into eternity, imagine what it does for your life right now.

Jesus is not just a source of temporary relief—He is the One who truly fills us.

Takeaway

What “well” do you keep going back to for fulfillment?

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

For God So Loved the World

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

True Love vs. Attachment

Because of the confusion between love and attachment, a question has arisen in our time: “Does true love still exist?”

This is similar to what John addressed when he wrote that those who love the world are not of God. He was not speaking against loving people—he was speaking about attachment to the world. God loved the world, yet He was not attached to it.

If true love exists, it must come from God, because He is both truth and love. And His love is not passive—He chooses to love us. That love calls for a response.

Even when you feel unloved, know this: God chooses to love you every single day. And although life will bring moments that cause us to question His love—love is more than a feeling. Take time to read 1 Corinthians 13 and discover what love truly is.

John 3:20 (ESV): For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

Light Reveals and Heals:

Light does expose—but it also heals. Some of the things we are doing are actually the source of our pain. And it is only when the light reveals them that we can move away from them and begin to heal.

Light also restores focus. When we keep things hidden, even when we think we are managing them, they quietly distract us from God’s purpose for our lives. That is why we must ask ourselves an honest question:

Can I allow the light of God to shine on everything I do, the people I walk with, and the choices I make?

Takeaway

Are you running toward the light—or hiding from it?

Gratitude Practice

Fridays are for gratitude.
Take a moment today and write down what you are grateful for this week.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

You Must Be Born Again

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it.

Transformation Is a Process

One thing I have learned about transformation is this: it is much easier to say you are transformed than it is to go through the process of transformation. True change is not something we merely declare; it is a journey we must walk.

Not pointing fingers, but I have encountered people who claim to be “born again,” yet their lifestyle shows no evidence of spiritual transformation. I have also met people who love God and know a great deal about Him—they are good people. Yet Jesus makes it clear: to see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again.

John 3:3 (ESV): Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Why Must We Be Born Again?

Nicodemus asked a reasonable question: “How can a man be born when he is old?” That question helped us understand how being born again happens. But another important question is this: Why must we be born again?

One of the hardest truths to accept—and one that is still debated today—is that when we are born into this world, we are born into sin because of what happened in the Garden of Eden. I understand why this is difficult to grasp. Imagine if your grandparents committed a crime and were sentenced to lifelong house arrest, and then you were told that everyone born into that family would also live under house arrest. Naturally, questions would arise: Why must I suffer for something I did not do? I was born innocent.

Yet this is the spiritual reality of humanity.

From the First Adam to the Second Adam

Scripture refers to Jesus Christ as the second Adam. We cannot belong to the second Adam while still carrying the nature of the first Adam. When we are born, we inherit the nature of the first Adam—sinful and separated from God. That is why we need a rebirth.

The beauty of this rebirth is that it does not depend on human strength or effort. No one can claim credit for it. It is the work of the Holy Spirit alone. And that is good news—because it means we do not have to beg for it, negotiate for it, or qualify for it. It is not reserved for a select few. All are welcome, because all have sinned.

Takeaway

Are you relying on knowledge about God, or are you living in a relationship with God?

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Before life becomes chaotic, know who the source is.

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it

A New Beginning

A new year has begun, marking the start of new things. While there is still light, it is important that we understand who the Light is—before things become dark. Because once darkness sets in, we may be tempted to create our own light.

John 1:4 (NLT): “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”

Life and Light in Christ

Jesus Christ did not only give life—He also brought light. One of the misunderstandings we often have is thinking that life comes from what we acquire or possess. Yet there are many people who have much and are still lifeless.

As we pursue our goals this year and desire the best for ourselves, our families, and our friends, let us not forget this truth: the greatest thing we can have is Christ in us.

A Warning About False Light

The danger of searching for a candle in the dark is desperation. In moments of darkness, we may not question where the light comes from or who offers it. Scripture warns us that the devil comes as an angel of light—meaning that not every light we find in dark moments is the true Light.

That is why, while it is still light, we must seek the true Light.

Fridays are for gratitude, and today we thank God for 2026. We look forward with expectation to what He has in store for us. May this be a year where we draw closer to Him and remain rooted in the true Source of life and light.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Ameni!

When the seed is planted it needs to die

Good day, good people! This is the day that the Lord has made; never forget that. Regardless of what you face in the morning, afternoon, or evening, this day is a gift to you and me, so let’s cherish it

Reflecting on the Year

Today marks the last day of 2025, and we are grateful to God for both the ups and the downs. His grace has carried us this far, and it will continue to carry us forward.

As we prepare to step into 2026 by the grace of God, we must acknowledge a sobering truth: some things must die. If we allow certain things to live into the new year, they will hinder our fruitfulness. If the goal is to be more like Jesus, then whatever is not of Jesus must die.

John 12:24 (ESV): “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

The Cost of Fruitfulness

One of the reasons we struggled to produce fruit this year is that some things that were meant to die were allowed to live. Paul reminds the church in Colossae that we must “put to death” the things of our earthly nature. This process is intentional—it does not happen automatically.

The things of the flesh do not disappear simply because we choose to follow Christ. Unfortunately, this is not often taught in “Christian 101.” What is rarely mentioned is that the Christian journey is filled with battles—battles where we must actively kill what belongs to the flesh.

A Call to Self-Examination

Some of us are like Christian seeds that have not yet fallen into the ground. We look like Christians, speak like Christians, and call ourselves Christians—but we have not yet produced the fruit Christians are meant to produce.

Why? Because we have not yet died to ourselves.

As we step into the new year, our priority must be clear: to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature. It will not be easy, but fruitfulness is at stake. We cannot afford to end another year fruitlessly.

Takeaway

As you cross into 2026, ask yourself this:
What must die in me so that Christ can fully live through me?
Fruitfulness is not produced by comfort, appearance, or intention—it is produced by death to self and obedience to God. Let us not carry what God is calling us to bury into the new year.

Prayer: Abba, Father, we thank you in Jesus’ name. Ameni!