October 14, 2026 Devo

Early in my ministry, I had a conversation with a young man just out of seminary. He was a really sharp guy and, as I found out, very ambitious. As we were talking, he asked me what my ministry “plan” was. I asked him what he meant. He said, “What kind of track are you planning on your ministry taking?” I shook my head and said, “I don’t have a plan.” He got a big smile and said, “I do!” He then proceeded to tell me how he planned to get a job at a good-sized church as an associate pastor. Then he said his plan was to become the lead pastor of a congregation and basically leapfrog to larger and larger churches until he landed a job with our national office. He smiled and said, “I’m going to be INTENTIONAL with my career.” I think he actually lasted about 10 years in ministry before he quit.
There was a key to Daniel’s success. He trusted God with his destiny. He didn’t aim for power or position or wealth. He simply did his best for God wherever he was and allowed God to take care of the promotions. Daniel obviously had his ups and downs and was not only threatened with losing his job but also losing his LIFE! But when you believe that God alone controls your destiny, you don’t worry about the ups and downs. You simply focus on being faithful and serving with all your heart. When you do that, you ultimately come out on top. I want you to rest in that today.
Look in the mirror and say this out loud: “God alone controls my destiny.” Let that truth sink deep into your heart. That truth will help you let go of your need for acknowledgement and reward. It’ll set you free from feeling as if you need to cut corners or “sell yourself” to get ahead. It’ll give you security when you get passed over, demoted, or fired. Please hear my heart. I’m not telling you not to work hard at what you do. I’m telling you the exact opposite. Do your job with everything you’ve got. Teach that class or preach that sermon with all your heart. Give yourself to any ministry or opportunity you get with passion and excellence. Just don’t do it for the hope of being raised up another level. Do it because God deserves it. And trust Him with your destiny. That’s God’s Word for you today.