Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.— John 12:20-22

What we witness here is the increasing popularity of Jesus, not only among the Jews but also among the Greeks. While high-ranking religious Jews are going to reject Jesus and consciously plan his demise, the Greeks express curiosity and eagerness about Jesus. What's interesting is that one group wants him gone, and the other wants to get to know him. But in the end, it's all still in God's plan, even though it may not look like it.

It may sound cliché to say this, but the adage "When God closes a door, he opens a window" proves true in this instance, doesn't it? And the window that God is about to open is his plan for the Greek world to know Jesus. The same Jesus that the high-ranking Jews would reject. And this moment is just a foreshadowing of the plan that is about to be revealed in the coming weeks and months after Jesus's resurrection and ascension.

And God does this stuff all the time in our life. He reveals the steps of his plan through the steps of faith we take in our life.

For example, ten years ago, when I launched this ministry, I meticulously crafted a 53-page strategic plan. I did what the business world told me I should do. I crafted a clear vision and an operational plan drawing from my two decades of ministry experience. But do you know there is not one single paragraph of that strategic plan that is relevant today? This is because, in ministry, life, and leadership, we can make all the plans we want, but it's the Lord who establishes our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

And you may devise your plans, but it is God who ultimately determines the next step. That's the bottom line. Since God decides your steps, it is he who reveals the plan. And in this text, while one group schemes and conspires for the arrest, trial, scourging, and crucifixion of Jesus, there's another plan at work. A plan that unfolds through Jesus's steps, revealing the Good News to the world.

So, today, if you can't see the entire plan, don't fret. Know and believe that God is working through you, even when his plan is veiled from your sight. Trust him and his steps through the process. The steps he orders for you today may very well unveil his plan for you tomorrow.

ASK THIS:

1. In what ways can we embrace God's unfolding plan for our lives, even when our own plans and expectations don't align?
2. How can we develop patience and trust in His guiding steps, knowing that He is ultimately in control?

DO THIS: Take the step God wants you to today.

PRAY THIS: God, give me the courage and strength to take obedient steps in following Your plan for my life. Help me trust Your guidance, even when the path is unclear, and empower me to faithfully walk in obedience, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Stand In Faith.