By Dorah Nambuya (Maswanks š)
Sermon: Trusting God’s Plan
Songs: The story Iāll tell- Maverick City ft Naomi Raine, So will I (100 billion), Do it Again- Cross Worship ft Osby Berry
My dear Sis Resty (Maswanks) as I call her, requested me to share my favorite sermon and the above message and song kept ringing in my head for days. I hope it blesses you!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11. I love love love this verse. God promises that he is in control, but, do we trust his plan? God has not promised us a life without trials and tribulations.
We all at some point experience indescribable pain, disappointment, devastating loss, regret,
betrayal, sickness, confusion, stress, and uncertainty. Often, we wonder why we are going through
certain storms, why our loved ones are going through them, or even fail to see how it could possibly be part of the plan of a kind and loving God.
Nevertheless, we need to believe, everything God allows in our life is part of a divine purpose even when his presence is hard to discern.
That is why I chose this as my favorite sermon. He reminds us to say YES to God, in all situations even when we donāt understand, even when nothing makes sense on paper, even when it hurts, and even when it defeats logic. Say YES from your spirit.
What really stood out for me in this sermon is that my YES to God is connected to a purpose. Therefore, even if you donāt understand his purpose right now, take heart, and trust his plan. He knows what’s best for you!
I will share a recent experience. Back in 2020, I made plans with a great old friend of mine to visit her (in Tanzania where she lived) once the covid dust had settled, as she always visited whenever she was here (in Uganda). Of course, I was excited. I anticipated how much fun it would be. Shortly after, I could not reach her as her phones were off, and messages were not being answered. It was so strange and not typical of her.
Fast forward to early this year. After searching, I managed to get her close contacts, so excited that we would finally catch up and proceed with our plans. I managed to reach her brother, only to be told that she was unwell for over a year and couldnāt talk, I was bewildered! I kept in touch with her brother through calls and messages. At this point, the plans made didnāt matter. We (her friends) tried to solicit funds to send the brother, but my spirit wasnāt convinced as he wasnāt open about her condition.
Last month, I was shocked to find out that he was put behind bars and had confessed to murdering his sister (my friend) almost 2 years ago. As it turns out, she was never sick as we had been informed. Devastated by the news, I could not wrap my head around the fact that all along I was talking to my friend’s killer and that a sweet, loving, and kind person was gone in the most dreadful way. I felt numb!
The entire story seemed like a script from a movie. I just didnāt understand how someone could be so ruthless. It hurt! I cursed, and it brought back all the grief from previous pains I thought had healed. Like when I lost my mother as a teenager. I asked God why? But found peace in his promise of everything works out for good.
It is well. He gives us peace amid chaos, all we have to do is seek him and we shall find him. Just like Pr. Steven asks, do you trust God even when you donāt like the plan?
YES, just like Jesus said Yes to the cross even when it hurt. There was a purpose to redeem you and
me. God is faithful even when we are faithless, his love endures forever. No matter what season you are in right now. Whatever storm you are facing or battles you are fighting, God will keep you afloat (Luke 8:22), say Yes to God and let his will be done.
As we trust in his plan, may God fill us with true Peace to live with grace, kindness, gentleness, serenity, and joy in all circumstances. (Matthew 6:25,34), (Phil 4:6), (Exodus 14:14).
God bless you!
Dorah.
Here is the link to today’s sermon
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