One Sunday morning recently, I listened to Dr. David Brooks preach to Calvary Baptist in Alexandria, Louisiana. “I’ve been wanting to preach this sermon for several weeks,” he said, “and the Lord finally led me to preach it today.” Based on Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord,” David told of two great disappointments in life where he did not get what he wanted, but God knew best.
As a college student, David Brooks was one of several interviewed by Green Acres Baptist in Tyler, Texas for youth minister. David’s roommate was chosen. Big disappointment. But then he was called as summer youth minister at Spring Hill, Louisiana, a lovely smaller church where he ended up serving throughout college. One day he met John Alley, pastor of Alexandria’s Calvary Baptist and a native of Spring Hill. Later, in seminary in New Orleans, David was invited by John to become student minister at Calvary. Years later when John retired, the church made David the pastor. He’s been there since the year 2000. God’s plans were far better than anything David Brooks could have imagined, any plans he might have made for himself.
I identify with that and I’m confident readers will also. Now, David Brooks’ burden in that message was people dealing with the coronavirus, having their plans changed, and not getting what they had wanted or expected. God’s way is always better, he emphasized. He can be trusted.