Trusting God's Faithfulness Through Unexpected Journeys

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Faithful Plans in Difficult Times

Even when life feels disrupted or uncertain, God assures His people that He has a plan for their good, even if it unfolds in ways or timelines we do not expect. In the midst of exile and hardship, God calls us to seek Him wholeheartedly, promising that He will be found by those who earnestly pursue Him. This is a reminder that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances, but on His unchanging character and His desire to prosper and restore those who remain faithful, even in seasons of waiting or discipline. [05:34]

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (ESV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel displaced or uncertain, and how can you intentionally seek God’s presence and guidance in that area today?

Day 2: The Power and Purpose of the New Covenant

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, God established a new covenant that does not just cover our sins but does away with them, setting us apart to live differently and inviting us into a relationship marked by forgiveness, holiness, and hope. Communion is a powerful reminder that our standing with God is not based on our own efforts, but on Christ’s finished work, and that we are called to pursue a life that reflects this new identity. As we remember the cost of our redemption, we are invited to move away from sin and embrace the fullness of life Jesus offers, living as people set apart for His purposes. [32:40]

Luke 22:17-20 (ESV)
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, ‘Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace the reality of being set apart and forgiven through Christ, and how can you live differently in that area today?

Day 3: God’s Covenants: Promises That Shape Our Story

Throughout history, God has made covenants with His people—Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately through Jesus—demonstrating His unwavering commitment to redeem, bless, and restore humanity. These covenants are not just contracts, but invitations into relationship, marked by God’s faithfulness even when His people falter. Each covenant reveals more of God’s heart to draw people to Himself, to bless them, and to use them as a blessing to others, culminating in the new covenant that invites all who believe into His family and mission. [47:53]

Genesis 9:11 (ESV)
“I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

Reflection: How does knowing God’s faithfulness in His covenants throughout history encourage you to trust Him with your own story and commitments today?

Day 4: God Stirs Hearts—Even the Unexpected Ones

God is able to move and stir the hearts of anyone, even those we might least expect, to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His promises. The story of King Cyrus, a foreign ruler, being stirred by God to allow the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, reminds us that God’s sovereignty extends over all people and circumstances. He can use anyone—regardless of their background or beliefs—to bring about restoration, and He desires to stir our hearts as well, calling us to participate in His redemptive work in ways that may surprise us. [41:02]

Ezra 1:1-4 (ESV)
“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.’”

Reflection: Is there a situation or person in your life where you have doubted God could work? How can you pray today for God to stir hearts—including your own—for His purposes?

Day 5: Responding to God’s Stirring—Moving Beyond Comfort

God’s call to us often involves leaving behind what is familiar or comfortable in order to step into the new things He has prepared, trusting that He will provide and guide us each step of the way. Like the exiles returning to Jerusalem, we may be asked to let go of earthly comforts or old perspectives to embrace a life that is more aligned with God’s heart and mission. The challenge is to be open to God’s stirring, to seek His direction in His Word and through prayer, and to courageously follow where He leads, knowing that He desires to use us to build His kingdom and bless others. [01:11:59]

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 comfort, habit, or perspective God may be asking you to release so you can step more fully into what He is calling you to do this week?

Sermon Summary

Life often takes us on journeys we never expected, sometimes through seasons of disruption, uncertainty, or even exile from what feels like home. Yet, even in those moments, God’s faithfulness and presence remain unshaken. The story of Israel’s exile and return, as seen in Jeremiah, Ezra, and throughout the Old Testament, is a powerful reminder that God’s plans for us are not always comfortable or immediate, but they are always good and purposeful. God’s promise, “I know the plans I have for you,” was spoken not in a time of celebration, but in the midst of hardship—a 70-year exile. This shows us that God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect, and sometimes require patience, trust, and a willingness to seek Him with all our hearts.

Throughout history, God has made covenants—binding, relational agreements—with His people. From Noah to Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately through Jesus, each covenant reveals God’s desire to redeem, restore, and bless. These covenants are not just contracts, but invitations into relationship, marked by God’s unwavering faithfulness even when we falter. The new covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus, sets us apart—not because of our perfection, but because of His sacrifice. Communion is a reminder of this: we are forgiven, set apart, and called to live differently, not for the world, but for the kingdom that is coming.

God’s faithfulness is not limited by our circumstances or even by the faith of those in power. He stirred the heart of King Cyrus, a foreign ruler, to fulfill His promise and restore His people. God can move in anyone’s heart—ours included—to accomplish His purposes. Sometimes, He calls us to leave what is familiar, to step into the unknown, trusting that He will provide and guide. The challenge is to let God stir our hearts, to be open to His leading, and to participate in the work of restoration and building His kingdom, even when it means letting go of comfort or control.

Ultimately, God is after our hearts, not our positions or achievements. He desires a relationship where we seek Him, trust Him, and allow Him to shape us for His purposes. Whether He is calling us to a new place, a new perspective, or a new act of obedience, the invitation is the same: seek Him, trust His promises, and let Him stir you to be part of His redemptive work in the world.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Promises Are Often Fulfilled in Unexpected Seasons God’s assurance of “plans to prosper you” was given to His people during exile, not prosperity. This teaches us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances. Even in seasons of waiting, loss, or confusion, God is working out His purposes, often in ways we cannot see or understand in the moment. Our call is to seek Him wholeheartedly, trusting that His timing and methods are perfect. [05:34]
2. Covenants Are Invitations to Relationship, Not Just Rules Each covenant God made—from Noah to Jesus—was more than a contract; it was an invitation into a living relationship. God’s faithfulness to His promises remains even when we fail, and He continually draws us back to Himself. The new covenant in Christ is not about our ability to keep rules, but about being set apart by His grace, empowered to live differently because of what He has done. [47:53]
3. God Stirs Hearts—Even Those We Least Expect God moved in the heart of King Cyrus, a pagan ruler, to fulfill His promise and restore His people. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all, able to use anyone—regardless of their background or beliefs—to accomplish His will. We should never underestimate how God might work in and through unexpected people or situations to bring about His purposes. [41:02]
4. True Restoration Requires Willingness to Leave Comfort When God calls us to restoration or new beginnings, it often means leaving behind what is familiar or comfortable. Like the Israelites returning from exile, we may be called to step into uncertainty, trusting that God will provide and guide. Faith means being open to God’s stirring, even when it disrupts our plans or challenges our preferences, knowing that His ways lead to deeper joy and purpose. [51:53]
5. God Is After the Position of Our Hearts, Not Our Status God’s primary concern is not our external position or achievements, but the posture of our hearts toward Him. Whether in seasons of discipline or blessing, He desires that we seek Him, trust Him, and allow Him to shape us. Our willingness to be stirred, to repent, and to pursue His purposes is what marks us as His people, set apart for His kingdom. [71:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:58] - Setting Our Hearts for Worship
[04:17] - Jeremiah 29: God’s Plans in Exile
[05:34] - Seeking God in Difficult Seasons
[12:22] - Communion: The New Covenant
[29:36] - The Cost and Power of Christ’s Sacrifice
[32:40] - Made Holy: Set Apart by Grace
[34:39] - Living as Part of God’s Kingdom
[35:37] - Prayer and Confidence in God’s Promises
[41:02] - God’s Faithfulness in Ezra and Nehemiah
[47:53] - Understanding God’s Covenants
[49:33] - The Noahic and Abrahamic Covenants
[51:53] - The Mosaic and Davidic Covenants
[71:59] - Letting God Stir Our Hearts
[82:25] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Jeremiah 29:10-14 — (God’s promise to the exiles: “I know the plans I have for you…”)
- Ezra 1:1-4
(God stirs the heart of King Cyrus to fulfill His promise and send the exiles home)
- Luke 22:14-20
(Jesus institutes the new covenant at the Last Supper)

Observation Questions

In Jeremiah 29, what specific instructions does God give to His people while they are in exile?
According to Ezra 1, who does God use to begin the process of restoring His people, and what does this person do?
When Jesus shares the bread and cup in Luke 22, what does He say the cup represents?
What is the main difference between a covenant and a regular contract, as described in the sermon?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to give His promise of “plans to prosper you” during a time of exile and hardship, instead of during a time of blessing?
The sermon says God can stir the hearts of even those who don’t know Him, like King Cyrus. What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty and the way He works in the world?
The new covenant in Jesus is described as an invitation to relationship, not just a set of rules. How does this change the way we think about following God?
The Israelites had to leave what was familiar and comfortable to return to Jerusalem. What might this say about the cost of restoration or following God’s call in our own lives?

Application Questions

Think about a time when life took you somewhere you didn’t expect, or you felt “exiled” from what felt like home. How did you see (or not see) God’s faithfulness during that season?
God’s promise in Jeremiah 29 was given during a long, hard wait. Is there an area in your life where you are waiting for God to act? How can you seek Him wholeheartedly in the waiting?
The sermon talked about God stirring the heart of King Cyrus, someone outside the faith. Who is someone unexpected in your life that God might be using or speaking through? How can you be open to God working in surprising ways?
The Israelites had to leave comfort and step into the unknown to be part of God’s restoration. Is there something familiar or comfortable that God might be asking you to let go of so you can follow Him more fully? What would it look like to take that step?
Communion is a reminder that we are set apart by Jesus’ sacrifice, not our own perfection. How does this truth affect the way you see yourself and your relationship with God?
The sermon said God is after the position of our hearts, not our status or achievements. What is one way you can let God “stir your heart” this week—maybe in your family, work, or neighborhood?
The covenants in the Bible are invitations to relationship. What is one practical way you can respond to God’s invitation this week—through prayer, obedience, or reaching out to someone?

Sermon Clips

Only Jesus' blood would be what would be needed in this new covenant that he makes with us. In Luke, it talks about this new covenant and Paul will repeat it again in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. But in Luke, Jesus is with the disciples and he's meeting with them and they're having the Passover, which if you guys have a little history of the Passover, real quick, is the Passover is where they would celebrate God's deliverance of them from slavery from Egypt, the people of Israel. [00:29:49] (33 seconds)

God wants to move in our lives today. God wants to stir things in us and he'll even stir in people that aren't his to get what he desires accomplished. And we're going to look at how he wants to stir us and who he redeems and rebuilds and restores and he wants us to be a part of those things. [00:46:34] (18 seconds)

A covenant is a binding agreement between God and humanity, a relationship marked by mutual promises and obligations. It's more than a simple contract. It's a personal relationship with God where both parties make commitments. Covenants are a key theme in the Bible, forming a framework for God's plan to redeem humanity. [00:47:41] (19 seconds)

God's desire there. I hope you heard that word a couple different times there. God's desire is he wants to bless us. That word's in there. He wants to bless those who help you all bless. I'll bless you. I'll bless you. And I'll make you a great nation. That's God's desire when he created us is to have a relationship in which he could bless us. [00:50:50] (17 seconds)

God is not after our position and place in this world, he's after the position of our heart with him and for him. He doesn't care if we are in bondage or in slavery, he wants to know where's our heart—that we still love and trust him, that we still know every breath is a gift from God and that he still looks at us and adores at us and cares for us and wants that relationship with us. [01:04:36] (22 seconds)

God wants to stir in you a desire to be part of building something with him. He talks about this kingdom of God we read about it earlier and I want you guys to know that there's this kingdom he wants you to be a part of right now. It's invisible to us because it's being built in the future. He goes to prepare a place for us, right, John 14:2, but we get to be part about of bringing people there and seeing God deliver people from the things that are holding them down in their life. [01:18:40] (25 seconds)

We, without Jesus, are all exiled to some kind of sin or hold that this world has on us that keeps us from embracing everything that God desires to have in relationship with us. And Jesus came so that we, if we put our faith in him, we can have that new relationship that starts. [01:19:05] (22 seconds)

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