Kia ora koutou, and warm greetings and Talofa lava!

Have you ever experienced the disappointment of plans and dreams not unfolding the way you had hoped? I have.

Early in my teaching career, Felicity and I were all set for a year-long teacher exchange in the United States. We had made plans, prepared for the opportunity, and looked ahead with excitement and expectation. But it fell through. God had other plans.

Many people make goals for the future with anticipation and hope, whether in career, ministry, family, or personal aspirations, only to encounter closed doors, unexpected delays, or unanswered prayers.

At the same time, people often place their sense of security in things that seem stable: finances, success, health, or the promises of others. Yet these things can suddenly change. Jobs may be lost, health can weaken, opportunities may disappear, and even human promises can fail.

Moments like these remind us how limited human strength and earthly security truly are, and how deeply we need something greater and more dependable to hold onto.

The good news is that God promises He has good plans for His people.

In Isaiah, we are assured that God’s devotion toward us never departs. He is faithful and steadfast. His Word […]