Living in Faith: Trusting God’s Unstoppable Plan

As I write this article, a lot is going on around me. I’ve just come off two weeks of vacation , Christmas, New Year’s, the start of Upward Basketball & Cheer, officiating basketball games, a special election, family gatherings, a golf outing, and even some snow.

However, there’s something bigger staring me dead in the face: tomorrow’s worship service at Mineral Baptist Church (MBC).

I know some of the people reading this attend MBC and will be in attendance tomorrow, but this is not an ordinary Sunday service.

Tomorrow, I’ve been asked to preach what’s known as a trial sermon. Afterward, the congregation will vote on whether to call me as their next Senior Pastor.

As I prepare for this pivotal moment, countless thoughts swirl in my mind—memories from the past year, both good and challenging. There have been bright spots and bleak ones, moments of celebration and times of struggle.

Through it all, one truth has become crystal clear: God’s will cannot be thwarted.

I’ve been reminded, too, of the incredible support around me—a “great cloud of witnesses,” if you will. These are people who love me, care for me, hold me accountable, and encourage me. I am profoundly grateful for their presence in my life.

Looking back, I see moments where I could have done things differently or better, but I also see how God has been at work, using every circumstance to shape and mold me. A dominant theme of this past year has been God’s sovereignty.

Or as one of my new favorite songs puts it, “I’m fighting a battle that YOU’VE already won!”

This reflection isn’t about boasting or campaigning; it’s an acknowledgment of the weight of the moment and the reminder of a simple truth: people need Jesus. They need His hope and His Kingdom—a Kingdom that cannot be defeated.

I love the way the New Living Translation captures Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:18,

“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (emphasis mine)

What a statement! All the powers of hell will not conquer His church.

God’s plan cannot be thwarted.

Yes, trials will come. You will make mistakes. People will disappoint you. Pain will happen. But trials will also be overcome. You will experience victories. People will come alongside you. Wounds will be healed.

When the battles before us seem overwhelming, remember that God is present. His will cannot be stopped. His Kingdom cannot fail. And all the power of hell cannot conquer His people.

Take heart in this truth: God has already won the victory. Lean into it. Rest in it. Stop fighting battles He has already fought—and won!

Anyway, I was just thinking…