God’s Way – Devotional’s From the Edges asking what next?

God’s Way

Pastor Calvin Cook

January 19, 2025

An Introduction to asking is this what God is desiring?

Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Big deep breath this morning ! Going to start a new thread of journaling and devotional writing. Are you brave enough to join me, in looking at God’s word, praying, listening, following, and making God’s call personal in each of our lives. For the past several months I have lamented and prayed over the very question that is bringing me to this place: “Am I doing, living into what God wants or what Calvin wants?” “Am I doing what others expect of me or what God is expecting of me?” “Am I listening to what God is saying or extracting the parts and words that suit me and satisfies what I want.”  So, today I just listened and wrote some random notes on the things that I think become troublesome in our faith journey and what gets in the way to a good and perfect righteous and holy life.

I also am thinking of those who I have asked the question of, even confessing that I ask myself – “Is this what God wants, or what you want?

We spend much of our lives trying to figure out the right way forward. We weigh options, follow advice, react to circumstances, and often do the best we can with what we know. Yet somewhere along the road, many of us discover that our way and God’s way are not always the same.

My prayer is that this devotional series, will be an invitation to pause and realign our hearts with the truth that God is not guessing, or gambling, or hoping about our life – God is declaring “I know the plans I have for you.”  How does that fit into your personal purpose?

It is my prayer this morning that this will be a way for me and for all who wants to consider God’s way to pause and realign our hearts with the truth that God is not guessing about our future, the future of our family, the future of our marriages, the future of our finances, the future of the work of the church. That God is declaring “I know the plans I have for you.” But are we willing to listen and follow.

These words from Jeremiah 29 have always been to me a guiding light. Though often I have not always seen the light. Times where I have allowed other things to guide my steps. These words from the prophetic voice of Jeremiah’s are words that were spoken to a people in exile. People who were confused, displaced, and longing for answers. God did not promise an easy road, but He did promise direction, hope, and a future. God’s way is often slower than we want, quieter than we expect, and deeper than we imagine, but God’s words and plans are always faithful.

Throughout these devotionals, my hope is we will explore what it means to trust God’s way when circumstances don’t make sense, when doors close, and when we are tempted to take shortcuts. Prayerfully I personally am hoping and trusting that these devotionals, written to myself and shared with you will lead me to the place I need to be, not just to being successful but being made whole.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

God’s Way is not about perfection; it is about surrender. It is about choosing faith over fear and obedience over control. As we journey through these devotionals, may you discover that God’s way, though sometimes challenging, is always leading you toward hope, purpose, and life.

Opening Prayer: Lord, teach us Your way. When our understanding is limited and our vision is clouded, help us trust Your plans. Lead us, shape us, and walk with us as we follow You. Amen.