When Things Don't Go the Way You ExpectSample

Keep Your Eyes on the Outcome

When God starts on a plan, He doesn’t get detoured. You might think that an unexpected event or a change in circumstances means the original plan for your life won’t happen, but circumstances are temporary and subject to change. Don’t believe more in the things you see today than you believe in God’s plan.

Jesus gives us an example of this in Mark 4. One day He and his disciples got into a boat and Jesus told them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” That was His faith speaking, and He fully expected that plan to come to pass.

Jesus went to sleep in the back of the boat, but midway into the trip, a huge storm came up, tossing the boat from side to side, threatening to sink it. In a panic, the disciples roused Jesus and shouted, “Master, don’t you care that we’re drowning?”

The interruption didn’t seem to bother Jesus at all. He didn’t panic and say, “Uh oh, there’s a storm.” He just got up, rebuked the wind, and said, “Peace be still!” Then He rebuked the disciples for being afraid and not having faith; for moving off the original plan (to cross to the other side) just because of circumstances.

It seems that the disciples lost their focus. They stopped focusing on what Jesus had said and gave their attention to the trouble. It’s easy to do, isn’t it?

Sure, sometimes storms and troubles come along – but they don’t have anything to do with God working His plan. Don’t let them scare or detour you. Don’t be like the disciples, who thought the storm stopped the original plan. Keep believing Him.

Keep your focus on the Lord! Remember what He’s told you. Remember the dreams in your heart and keep moving toward them. Spend more of your time thinking about His Word and your goals, and less time worrying about the storm.

It takes spiritual effort. When a storm hits, you have to decide to keep your focus on God’s promises and plans. You can do it! Stick to the plan. Trust Him to make your steps clear. Keep going to the brighter side—keep your eyes on the outcome.