Walking with Jesus

Going Where We Did Not Plan to Go

Pastor Calvin Cook

August 26, 2026 — Day 32 of 40

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” — Luke 10:1

Today is the start of the school year here in Kane. Recently, someone spoke to me and shared that they had felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to pray for the beginning of the new school year at our schools. An invitation has been issued, and in a little while, whoever feels that same leading will gather at our school buildings to pray as the Spirit leads.

Luke 10 reminds us that Jesus sent His followers out two by two. He gave them instructions, but He did not give them every detail. They did not know every person they would meet, every conversation they would have, or every situation they would face. They simply knew that Jesus was sending them—and that wherever they went, they were preparing the way for Him.

This is an important reminder: walking with Jesus means that we are preparing the way for God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—to move and make His presence known through our witness.

Most of us like to have a plan. We want to know where we are going, what we will be doing, and how everything will turn out. There is nothing wrong with planning, but sometimes our plans become so important that we leave no room for the Holy Spirit to lead us somewhere unexpected.

What if following Jesus includes being willing to go in some unplanned ways?

It may mean stopping to talk with someone when we are already running late. It may mean sitting beside someone who appears lonely, praying with a person who shares a burden, or offering help when it is inconvenient. It might mean taking a different road, visiting someone who has been on our mind, or inviting another believer to join us in serving somewhere neither of us expected to go.

We are often very good at doing these things with people we know and with whom we are comfortable. But what about people we do not know or those outside our normal circle of friends?

The disciples were sent two by two because ministry was never meant to be done alone. We need encouragement, accountability, prayer, and someone beside us who can see what we might miss. Sometimes one person begins the conversation while the other quietly prays. Sometimes one offers hope while the other provides a helping hand. Together, they carry the presence and love of Jesus into an unexpected place.

Going out in unplanned ways does not mean wandering around without purpose. It means being available. It means allowing God to interrupt our schedules and redirect our steps. It means waking up and saying, “Jesus, wherever You are already working today, help me recognize it—and give me the courage to join You.”

Notice that Jesus sent the disciples to places where He was about to go. They were not the Savior. They were simply preparing the way for Him.

That is still our calling. We do not have to have every answer. We do not have to fix every problem. We simply go in the name of Jesus, carrying His peace, sharing His love, and trusting Him to do what only He can do.

Today, as this day begins with something outside the ordinary, my prayer is that our focus will be on being used by God. May what we do prepare the way for someone to consider who Jesus is.

I am praying for those who will stand together in public prayer—not to draw attention to themselves, but to prepare the way, plant seeds, and quietly bear witness to their faith simply by being present. May we remain open to the unexpected places, people, and opportunities into which Jesus may send us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, make us willing to go wherever You send us. Help us recognize the unexpected opportunities You place before us. Give us faithful companions for the journey and the courage to carry Your peace and love into every place. May our words and actions prepare the way for others to encounter You. Amen.