God’s Unfailing Plans Through Ordinary and Unworthy People

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Plans Never Fail

No matter how much we plan or how often our own plans fall apart, God’s purposes remain steadfast and unshakable. Even when humanity stumbles, as seen after the Tower of Babel or the flood, God continues to work out His redemptive plan through history, undeterred by human failure or weakness. This truth is a comfort: God’s plans for you are not derailed by your mistakes or circumstances. You can rest in the assurance that His purposes will be accomplished in your life, just as they have been throughout generations past. [07:40]

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: Where in your life have you felt discouraged by failed plans, and how can you intentionally surrender those areas to God’s unchanging purposes today?

Day 2: God Works Through Ordinary People

God most often advances His extraordinary promises through ordinary people who live, work, struggle, and hope just like us. The genealogy in Genesis reminds us that those God used were not superhuman—they were regular people with everyday joys and challenges. You don’t have to be a “rock star” Christian or have a platform to be part of God’s story; your faithfulness in the ordinary is precious to Him. God delights in using those who are simply willing to follow Him, no matter how unremarkable they may feel. [14:49]

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV)
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"

Reflection: What is one “ordinary” area of your life where you can choose to be faithful to God today, trusting that He can use it for His purposes?

Day 3: God Has Plans for the Unworthy

God’s plans are not reserved for the perfect or the deserving; He often chooses those who feel unworthy or have a checkered past. Terah, the father of Abraham, was an idol worshipper, yet God still included him in the lineage leading to Jesus. No matter your background or how unworthy you may feel, God’s grace is greater, and He delights in redeeming and using those who seem least likely. Christ came into the world to save sinners, and your past does not disqualify you from His plans. [19:36]

Joshua 24:2 (ESV)
"And Joshua said to all the people, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, "Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods."'"

Reflection: Is there a part of your past or a sense of unworthiness that you need to bring before God, trusting that He can use even that for His glory?

Day 4: God’s Plan Is Centered on Jesus

Throughout Scripture, God’s ultimate plan is revealed in Jesus Christ, who came at just the right time to save the helpless and the ungodly. The focus of God’s redemptive work narrows from universal themes to one family, and ultimately to Jesus, the Savior of the world. No matter how lost or helpless you may feel, God’s plan is to meet you in that very place through Christ, offering salvation and hope. At the heart of God’s plan for you is not self-improvement, but the gift of Jesus Himself. [24:47]

Romans 5:6 (ESV)
"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most helpless right now, and how can you invite Jesus to meet you there with His saving grace?

Day 5: Trust and Rest in God’s Faithfulness

God’s plans for you are not fragile or uncertain; they are anchored in His faithfulness and grace. Even when you feel unspecial, unworthy, or when life seems to be falling apart, you can find hope in the unchanging truth that God’s plan is for you to cling to Jesus. Don’t look for security in fleeting things like finances or status—rest in the assurance that God’s greatest plan is to give you life through His Son. Trust Him, find hope in His grace, and let your heart rest in His unfailing love. [27:30]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can shift your focus from temporary sources of security to trusting and resting in God’s faithfulness and grace today?

Sermon Summary

So often, we find comfort and security in our own plans, carefully mapping out our lives and hoping everything will go as we expect. Yet, time and again, we are reminded that God’s plans are the ones that truly prevail. Even when our own schemes fall apart, or when life takes unexpected turns, God’s purposes remain steadfast. This is not just a truth for a select few—pastors, missionaries, or spiritual leaders—but for every single person. God has plans for each of us, working in and through our lives, regardless of our status or perceived importance.

Looking at the genealogy in Genesis 11, it’s easy to gloss over the list of unfamiliar names, but these records are a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. After humanity’s failures—like the Tower of Babel—God’s plan for redemption continues, undeterred by human shortcomings. The genealogy moves from Shem to Terah, and then to Abraham, showing that God’s purposes are not thwarted by disaster or disobedience. Unlike our own plans, which are often derailed by circumstances beyond our control, God’s plans are unchanging and unstoppable.

What’s striking is that God chooses to work through ordinary people. Shem, Terah, and the others in this lineage were not extraordinary by the world’s standards. They lived, worked, struggled, and died just like us. Yet, God used their lives to move His story forward. This should encourage us: God is not looking for “rock star” Christians, but for those who are simply willing to be faithful. Our ordinary acts of faithfulness matter deeply to Him.

Even more, God’s plans include those who feel unworthy. Terah, Abraham’s father, was an idol worshipper, yet he is part of the lineage leading to Jesus. God’s grace is not limited by our past failures or unworthiness. The story of redemption is filled with people who, by human standards, should have been disqualified, yet God used them to accomplish His purposes.

Ultimately, all of God’s plans point to Jesus. The focus of Genesis narrows from universal themes to one family, through whom the Savior of the world would come. At just the right time, when humanity was helpless, Christ died for the ungodly. This is the heart of God’s plan: not that we would have everything figured out, but that we would trust in His faithfulness and cling to Jesus, who is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Plans Are Unstoppable and Unchanging No matter how many times humanity fails or how chaotic our circumstances become, God’s purposes remain firm. His plans are not subject to the limitations, weaknesses, or unpredictability that so often derail our own. Even when we miss the mark, God’s intentions for us do not waver, and His word will always accomplish what He desires. [07:12]
2. God Works Through Ordinary People The people listed in Genesis’ genealogies were not spiritual giants or celebrities; they were regular individuals with everyday struggles and joys. God delights in using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary, reminding us that our value in His plan is not based on fame or status, but on faithfulness and willingness. Our daily acts of obedience, though they may seem small, are woven into God’s greater story. [10:48]
3. God’s Grace Extends to the Unworthy Terah, an idol worshipper, is included in the lineage of Christ, demonstrating that God’s grace is not limited by our past or our failures. The story of redemption is filled with people who, by human standards, would be considered unworthy, yet God chooses and uses them. This truth invites us to lay aside our feelings of inadequacy and trust that God’s grace is sufficient for us, no matter our background. [19:59]
4. God’s Plan Is Centered on Jesus All of Scripture, from the genealogies of Genesis to the cross, points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. At just the right time, Christ came for the helpless and the ungodly—not for those who had it all together. Our hope is not in our ability to fix ourselves, but in the faithfulness of God who sent His Son to save us. [24:47]
5. Our Security Is Found in Trusting God’s Faithfulness, Not Our Own Plans We are often tempted to find peace in our own strategies, resources, or achievements, but true security comes from trusting in God’s unchanging faithfulness. When we cling to Jesus rather than our own efforts or worldly assurances, we find the hope and rest our souls long for. God’s plan is not for us to be self-sufficient, but to rely wholly on Him.

** [27:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Comfort and Anxiety of Planning
[01:31] - God Has Plans for Everyone
[02:31] - God’s Plans Prevail Despite Human Failure
[03:35] - The Significance of Genealogies
[04:40] - God’s Plan Continues After Babel
[06:20] - Contrasting Our Plans with God’s
[07:12] - God’s Plans Don’t Change
[09:00] - God Uses Ordinary People
[10:48] - The Humanity of the Genealogy
[13:36] - Faithfulness Over Fame
[14:49] - God Chooses the Weak and Insignificant
[17:08] - God’s Plans for the Unworthy
[19:59] - Terah: An Unlikely Ancestor
[22:33] - The Shift to Abraham’s Family
[24:47] - God’s Plan Fulfilled in Jesus
[27:30] - Clinging to Jesus, Our True Security

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 11:10–32 (ESV) — > 10 These are the generations of Shem. When Shem was 100 years old, he fathered Arpachshad two years after the flood.
> ...
> 27 Now these are the generations of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot.
> ...
> 32 The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran.

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV) — > so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
> it shall not return to me empty,
> but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
> and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Romans 5:6 (ESV) — > For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Observation Questions

In Genesis 11:10–32, what pattern do you notice in the genealogy from Shem to Terah and Abraham? What details stand out about the people listed?
According to Isaiah 55:11, what does God say about the effectiveness of His word and plans?
In Romans 5:6, who does Paul say Christ died for, and when did this happen?
The sermon mentions that Terah, Abraham’s father, was an idol worshipper (Joshua 24:2). How does this detail affect your understanding of the genealogy? [[19:36]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Bible includes genealogies like the one in Genesis 11? What message might God be communicating through these lists of ordinary people? [[10:48]]
The sermon says God’s plans are not stopped by human failure, disasters, or disobedience. How does this truth challenge or encourage someone who feels like they have “missed the mark” in life? [[07:12]]
Terah was an idol worshipper, yet he is included in the family line leading to Jesus. What does this reveal about God’s grace and the kind of people He chooses to use? [[19:59]]
The focus of God’s plan narrows from all humanity to one family, leading to Jesus. Why is it significant that God’s plan centers on Jesus, especially “while we were still helpless”? [[24:47]]

Application Questions

The sermon talks about finding comfort and security in our own plans, but God’s plans are the ones that last. Can you think of a time when your plans fell apart, but you later saw God working through the situation? How did that experience affect your trust in God? [[06:51]]
God works through ordinary people, not just “rock star” Christians. In what areas of your life do you feel “ordinary” or unimportant? How might God want to use your everyday faithfulness? [[13:36]]
Terah’s story shows that God’s grace extends to the unworthy. Are there parts of your past or present that make you feel disqualified from being used by God? How does Terah’s inclusion in Jesus’ family line challenge those feelings? [[19:59]]
The sermon says our security is found in trusting God’s faithfulness, not our own plans or achievements. What is one area where you are tempted to rely on your own strategies for peace or security? What would it look like to trust God instead? [[27:30]]
The genealogy in Genesis 11 shows that God’s story moves forward through people who lived, worked, struggled, and died—just like us. What is one small act of faithfulness you can offer to God this week, trusting that He can use it in His bigger plan? [[10:48]]
Romans 5:6 says Christ died for us “while we were still helpless.” How does this truth affect the way you approach God when you feel weak, unworthy, or like you don’t have it all together? [[24:47]]
The sermon encourages us to “cling to Jesus” rather than to financial security, politics, or other sources of peace. What is one practical step you can take this week to cling more closely to Jesus? [[27:50]]

Sermon Clips

But God's plans don't change. What a comfort that I can be reminded, that I can remind myself that God has plans for me and they don't change. They don't even change if I miss the mark. They don't even change if I fail. God still has those same plans for me. [00:06:32] (20 seconds) #UnchangingDivinePurpose

The plans, the good work that God wants to bring to completion in you is shaping you into the image of his son, Jesus Christ. Those are his plans for you and you will surely see that they are brought to fruition. God's plans do not fail. [00:08:42] (18 seconds) #ShapedInChrist

Most often in scripture, God's plans are moved forward through ordinary people. We think of them as extraordinary just because their names are listed in the book. And certainly many of them did amazing things, but at the end of the day, they're people. Just like you and I are people. God most often works his plans out through ordinary people who deal with ordinary things like you and I. [00:10:38] (27 seconds) #OrdinaryUsedExtraordinary

God also has plans for unworthy people. God has plans for unworthy people. Those who maybe would think, well, he can't use me because I'm not good enough. He can't use me because I've messed up too much. But that's just the type of people that... That God often uses. We can be sure that no one in this family line, in this genealogy of Genesis 11, 10-32, that no one was perfect. We can be sure that no one listed is listed there because, oh yes, they were perfect and didn't do anything wrong. You know, they were the picture of perfection, so God placed them in this passage. They were just regular people. [00:17:03] (44 seconds) #UnworthyYetChosen

As unworthy as you may feel, Christ Jesus came into this world to save you. He came into this world to save me. And he works his life out for us. Those are his plans, even for the unworthy. [00:22:05] (18 seconds) #JesusCenterOfGodsPlan

His plan isn't for me to have it all figured out at first. His plan isn't for me to go and have my life all cleaned up and figured out and then I can come before him. His plan is to come to us in Jesus. While we were still helpless, Paul says. His plan is to come at just the right time. just the time when I thought that I couldn't go any further. At just the time when I thought I would have to give up. At just the right time when I thought none of this was going to work. He comes at just the right time. just the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [00:25:08] (54 seconds) #HopeInGodsGrace

We see over and over in scripture, whether it's a genealogy in Genesis, or whether it's stories that maybe on the surface seem disconnected from us. We see God working out his plans. His plans for us aren't failing or crumbling. Even if we don't feel special enough or worthy enough. We can rest this morning in the fact that his plans for us. His plans for you. Or that his son Jesus will come and die for you. So that you might live through him. [00:26:17] (38 seconds) #ClingToJesus

Therefore just trust his faithfulness. Trust the fact that his plans don't fail. His plans for you don't fail. Trust that. Rest in that this morning. Find hope this morning in his grace. That even if he could work his plans out through people that didn't even worship him to begin with. He can certainly make plans for the things that we don't get by. Find hope in his grace. And then ultimately cling to Jesus. [00:26:55] (37 seconds)

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