It Didn’t Work the Way I Planned – Morning Devotional – Pastor Calvin Cook

It Didn’t Work Out the Way I Planned
Morning Devotions – From the Edges
Pastor Calvin Cook – August 28, 2024
Scripture focus – Deuteronomy 30:1-3 “And when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you, 2and return to the Lord your God, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you today, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. (ESV)

Thinking about the story in the Gospel about the Disciples who had fished hard all night and caught nothing. It wasn’t until Jesus showed up and they humbled themselves and listened to a new instruction, doing something different, giving something one more effort to produce.

I have felt that many times in my life, actually in my life as a Pastor, as a businessperson, as a friend, as a mentor, as a student of Jesus, I’m feeling that in all areas I am once again in a season of life where I’ve worked hard and experienced no results. I feel as if my personal relationship with Jesus is in check, I fill as if I’m in a good place in my soul. I do confess because confession is good that there are some areas that need work, but in the midst of everything I am feeling in a better place than I was yesterday.

I know there are many who are feeling the same way, I have heard and listened to others share their frustrations. Without being judgmental I realize there are times when we feel like the Disciples that we have labored hard and are not seeing the fruit of our labors. In these times has our entire focus been on Jesus. In one of the references of the night fishing with a catch of nothing, when Jesus showed up, the disciples were not sure at first that it was Jesus. In our struggles are we entirely focusing on God’s will, following God’s instructions. I also know there is much that gets in the way of this. But I ask the question are we seeing Jesus and experiencing the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We need to start now with a simple prayer. Lord be so bold and present in my life today that I have nothing else to focus on but you. Amen.

Caution this could be a dangerous prayer and I know it is a prayer that will be answered will you receive that answer.