Have you ever relied on phrases like “God has a perfect plan for your life” or “Everything happens for a reason,” only to realize the comfort from it is brief and the truth claim from it is more complicated?
In our new sermon series, Questions to All Your Answers: Reclaiming a Thoughtful Faith, I want to invite you on a journey with me, beyond the well-worn clichés, into the heart of a deeper, more authentic Christianity.
So, over the next ten weeks, we’ll explore some of the most common sayings we encounter in faith communities, those simple answers that are often repeated but rarely examined.
Sayings like—
“All sins are equal.”
“God has a perfect plan for your life.”
“The Bible has all the answers.”
“Jesus is coming soon.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.”
“Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
“Faith can fix anything.”
“The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.”
“If you have enough faith, you won’t suffer.”
What does Scripture really say?
How do these statements shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world?
How can faith become more thoughtful, more resilient, and more real when we move past easy answers and wrestle with the complexities of life?
So, bring your questions and be prepared to listen and engage.
Let's move beyond clichés so we can cultivate a faith that welcomes doubt, reflection, and deeper understanding.
Launching “From Cliché to Clarity”
Among the many familiar phrases that echo through our faith communities, “God has a perfect plan for your life” stands out as an ideal starting point for our sermon series.
The question that we are going to address—
“Is God’s Plan Always Perfect?” (Jeremiah 29:4-14)
I. Introduction: The Comfort of a Cliché.
“God has a perfect plan for your life.”
You’ve heard it.
You’ve probably said it.
It’s embroidered on pillows, printed on graduation cards, and hashtagged under Instagram posts of sunsets and engagement rings.
But what happens when the plan doesn’t feel perfect?
What happens when the bad diagnosis comes, the job disappears, the relationship breaks up, or the calling feels unclear?
II. Scripture: Jeremiah 29 in Context
Let’s read Jeremiah 29:11:
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV84
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Beautiful, right?
But here’s the thing: this verse was written to a people in exile.
God’s “plan” included 70 years of displacement.
Seventy years of waiting. Seventy years of living in a land that wasn’t theirs.
Let’s back up to verses 4–7: Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce... Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.”
God didn’t promise a quick rescue.
He promised His presence in the midst of disruption.
He said, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.”
The familiar promise—“I know the plans I have for you…”—was spoken not as a quick fix, but as a beacon of hope in the midst of unfamiliarity and waiting.
God’s assurance did not promise an immediate return home or a life free of hardship.
Instead, the message was a summons to settle in, seek the welfare of their new city, and lean into the slow work of restoration.
Are you settling into “the slow work” of God’s “restoration”
Hope, in this context, was forged through patience and active engagement with the present circumstances, rather than escaping discomfort.
For us today, this passage invites a shift in perspective.
Rather than searching for divine blueprints that map every detail, we are called to embrace God’s companionship exactly where we are—even when the future is uncertain or feels delayed.
The passage becomes applicable when we face personal exile: a move, a loss, an unforeseen detour, or seasons where “the plan” seems shrouded.
In such moments, it is important to focus on making positive contributions in the present, promoting our and others' well-being, and recognizing that improvement or progress (in God’s will for us) may be occurring quietly behind the scenes.
While the phrase “God has a perfect plan for your life” is reassuring to many, life’s complexities, however, often challenge us to seek something more profound.
Rather than anchoring our hope in a detailed blueprint, we’re invited to discover God’s faithful presence in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
How God’s presence sustains us in uncertainty
Amid unanswered questions and shifting circumstances, it is often the quiet assurance of God’s nearness that carries us through, inviting us to cultivate faith that is both attentive and adaptive.
As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 NIV84
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Trust does not erase our longing for clarity or control; instead, it gently reorients us, teaching us to recognize the sacredness embedded in daily life and to respond to challenges with patience and hope.
Reflecting on Isaiah 43:2—“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you”—we’re encouraged to rest in the promise that God’s presence accompanies us through every trial.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV84
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
In this way, God’s presence becomes less than an abstract promise and more a sustaining reality, guiding us to discern meaning and possibility in each moment, and preparing our hearts to move from cliché faith to authentic trust.
Moving from cliché faith to authentic trust
Sometimes, building absolute trust doesn’t mean we’re free from tough times—it’s about honesty, showing up, letting our questions and hopes stand side by side, and learning to live with the tension between what we long for and what’s actually happening.
It’s in those in-between moments that our faith can really grow, not because everything finally makes sense, but because we choose to stay present.
Give your attention and awareness to the current moment, rather than being distracted by worries about the future or regrets about the past.
It’s an intentional choice to engage with what is happening right now—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
In the context of faith, staying present involves trusting that meaning can be found in today’s experiences, even if life feels uncertain or unresolved.
Pay attention, and keep moving forward, even when we’re still waiting for answers from God.
Digging Deeper: Looking Past Our First Faith Cliché
Let’s be real—when we start questioning that classic “God has a plan” line, we’re opening the door to a whole new way of thinking about faith and uncertainty.
The deeper look at Jeremiah 29:11 showed us that hope isn’t about having all the answers served up instantly.
Instead, it’s about sticking with the present moment, leaning in, and letting patience do its work.
So, what other sayings have we passed around without really thinking?
Stuff like “Everything happens for a reason,” “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” or “Let go and let God.”
These phrases are everywhere, but do they actually help us when life gets complicated?
Maybe it’s time to give them a second look.
Moving forward, let’s treat these familiar lines as starting points, not finish lines.
What deeper truths are hiding underneath?
How do these sayings help or hold us back when things don’t go as planned?
Just as Jeremiah 29:11 challenged us to see hope in being present, other clichés might push us to grow if we’re willing to dig a little deeper.
It’s easy to settle for what feels comfortable. Still, real growth usually means facing the tough stuff head-on, admitting when we’re confused or uncertain, and realizing that God’s presence isn’t just for the clear, easy moments—it’s for the messy, waiting seasons too.
Every cliché is a chance to get honest, swap out shallow comfort for real purpose, and let our faith deepen.
As we keep going, let’s pay attention to the words we use, what we mean, and how our faith shapes up in the everyday ups and downs.
The goal isn’t certainty; it’s connection, honesty, and hope that grows—not because things are simple, but because we’re willing to walk through uncertainty, together, with open hearts.
Closing Prayer:
God of presence and promise, we come before you with open hearts, grateful for the gift of this moment and for the journey we share. Thank you for the reminders that true hope is found not in certainty or easy answers, but in trusting you through waiting, questions, and the messy middle.
Help us to stay present in each day, to notice your faithfulness even when clarity is missing, and to choose trust over fear. Teach us to look beneath familiar words and find deeper meaning, to hold on to faith that grows in tension, and to encourage one another with honesty and compassion.
Strengthen us as we move forward—not seeking quick fixes but a deeper connection with you and with each other.
May our words and thoughts reflect your love, and may our faith be shaped by patience, hope, and the courage to walk through uncertainty.
We thank you for being with us in every season. Help us to wait well, to trust fully, and to lean into your presence—confident that you are working, even when we cannot see it. In your name we pray, Amen.
Introducing A New 10-Part Sermon Series: “From Cliché to Clarity.”
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Have you ever relied on phrases like “God has a perfect plan for your life” or “Everything happens for a reason,” only to realize the comfort from it is brief and the truth claim from it is more complicated?
In our new sermon series, Questions to All Your Answers: Reclaiming a Thoughtful Faith, I want to invite you on a journey with me, beyond the well-worn clichés, into the heart of a deeper, more authentic Christianity.
So, over the next ten weeks, we’ll explore some of the most common sayings we encounter in faith communities, those simple answers that are often repeated but rarely examined.
Sayings like—
“All sins are equal.”
“God has a perfect plan for your life.”
“The Bible has all the answers.”
“Jesus is coming soon.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.”
“Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
“Faith can fix anything.”
“The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.”
“If you have enough faith, you won’t suffer.”
What does Scripture really say?
How do these statements shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world?
How can faith become more thoughtful, more resilient, and more real when we move past easy answers and wrestle with the complexities of life?
So, bring your questions and be prepared to listen and engage.
Let's move beyond clichés so we can cultivate a faith that welcomes doubt, reflection, and deeper understanding.
Launching “From Cliché to Clarity”
Among the many familiar phrases that echo through our faith communities, “God has a perfect plan for your life” stands out as an ideal starting point for our sermon series.
The question that we are going to address—
“Is God’s Plan Always Perfect?” (Jeremiah 29:4-14)
I. Introduction: The Comfort of a Cliché.
“God has a perfect plan for your life.”
You’ve heard it.
You’ve probably said it.
It’s embroidered on pillows, printed on graduation cards, and hashtagged under Instagram posts of sunsets and engagement rings.
But what happens when the plan doesn’t feel perfect?
What happens when the bad diagnosis comes, the job disappears, the relationship breaks up, or the calling feels unclear?
II. Scripture: Jeremiah 29 in Context
Let’s read Jeremiah 29:11:
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV84
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Beautiful, right?
But here’s the thing: this verse was written to a people in exile.
God’s “plan” included 70 years of displacement.
Seventy years of waiting. Seventy years of living in a land that wasn’t theirs.
Let’s back up to verses 4–7: Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce... Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.”
God didn’t promise a quick rescue.
He promised His presence in the midst of disruption.
He said, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.”
The familiar promise—“I know the plans I have for you…”—was spoken not as a quick fix, but as a beacon of hope in the midst of unfamiliarity and waiting.
God’s assurance did not promise an immediate return home or a life free of hardship.
Instead, the message was a summons to settle in, seek the welfare of their new city, and lean into the slow work of restoration.
Are you settling into “the slow work” of God’s “restoration”
Hope, in this context, was forged through patience and active engagement with the present circumstances, rather than escaping discomfort.
For us today, this passage invites a shift in perspective.
Rather than searching for divine blueprints that map every detail, we are called to embrace God’s companionship exactly where we are—even when the future is uncertain or feels delayed.
The passage becomes applicable when we face personal exile: a move, a loss, an unforeseen detour, or seasons where “the plan” seems shrouded.
In such moments, it is important to focus on making positive contributions in the present, promoting our and others' well-being, and recognizing that improvement or progress (in God’s will for us) may be occurring quietly behind the scenes.
While the phrase “God has a perfect plan for your life” is reassuring to many, life’s complexities, however, often challenge us to seek something more profound.
Rather than anchoring our hope in a detailed blueprint, we’re invited to discover God’s faithful presence in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
How God’s presence sustains us in uncertainty
Amid unanswered questions and shifting circumstances, it is often the quiet assurance of God’s nearness that carries us through, inviting us to cultivate faith that is both attentive and adaptive.
As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 NIV84
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Trust does not erase our longing for clarity or control; instead, it gently reorients us, teaching us to recognize the sacredness embedded in daily life and to respond to challenges with patience and hope.
Reflecting on Isaiah 43:2—“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you”—we’re encouraged to rest in the promise that God’s presence accompanies us through every trial.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV84
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
In this way, God’s presence becomes less than an abstract promise and more a sustaining reality, guiding us to discern meaning and possibility in each moment, and preparing our hearts to move from cliché faith to authentic trust.
Moving from cliché faith to authentic trust
Sometimes, building absolute trust doesn’t mean we’re free from tough times—it’s about honesty, showing up, letting our questions and hopes stand side by side, and learning to live with the tension between what we long for and what’s actually happening.
It’s in those in-between moments that our faith can really grow, not because everything finally makes sense, but because we choose to stay present.
Give your attention and awareness to the current moment, rather than being distracted by worries about the future or regrets about the past.
It’s an intentional choice to engage with what is happening right now—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
In the context of faith, staying present involves trusting that meaning can be found in today’s experiences, even if life feels uncertain or unresolved.
Pay attention, and keep moving forward, even when we’re still waiting for answers from God.
Digging Deeper: Looking Past Our First Faith Cliché
Let’s be real—when we start questioning that classic “God has a plan” line, we’re opening the door to a whole new way of thinking about faith and uncertainty.
The deeper look at Jeremiah 29:11 showed us that hope isn’t about having all the answers served up instantly.
Instead, it’s about sticking with the present moment, leaning in, and letting patience do its work.
So, what other sayings have we passed around without really thinking?
Stuff like “Everything happens for a reason,” “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” or “Let go and let God.”
These phrases are everywhere, but do they actually help us when life gets complicated?
Maybe it’s time to give them a second look.
Moving forward, let’s treat these familiar lines as starting points, not finish lines.
What deeper truths are hiding underneath?
How do these sayings help or hold us back when things don’t go as planned?
Just as Jeremiah 29:11 challenged us to see hope in being present, other clichés might push us to grow if we’re willing to dig a little deeper.
It’s easy to settle for what feels comfortable. Still, real growth usually means facing the tough stuff head-on, admitting when we’re confused or uncertain, and realizing that God’s presence isn’t just for the clear, easy moments—it’s for the messy, waiting seasons too.
Every cliché is a chance to get honest, swap out shallow comfort for real purpose, and let our faith deepen.
As we keep going, let’s pay attention to the words we use, what we mean, and how our faith shapes up in the everyday ups and downs.
The goal isn’t certainty; it’s connection, honesty, and hope that grows—not because things are simple, but because we’re willing to walk through uncertainty, together, with open hearts.
Closing Prayer:
God of presence and promise, we come before you with open hearts, grateful for the gift of this moment and for the journey we share. Thank you for the reminders that true hope is found not in certainty or easy answers, but in trusting you through waiting, questions, and the messy middle.
Help us to stay present in each day, to notice your faithfulness even when clarity is missing, and to choose trust over fear. Teach us to look beneath familiar words and find deeper meaning, to hold on to faith that grows in tension, and to encourage one another with honesty and compassion.
Strengthen us as we move forward—not seeking quick fixes but a deeper connection with you and with each other.
May our words and thoughts reflect your love, and may our faith be shaped by patience, hope, and the courage to walk through uncertainty.
We thank you for being with us in every season. Help us to wait well, to trust fully, and to lean into your presence—confident that you are working, even when we cannot see it. In your name we pray, Amen.