Our Expansion Story: Restored

Life often feels like a whirlwind, doesn’t it? A gust of chaos pushes us from one challenge to another, leaving us grasping for stability. But what happens when the ground beneath us begins to shake? When the future feels uncertain and control slips from our hands, we can discover something transformative: God’s plans extend far beyond what we can imagine.

We’re stepping into David’s story this week. We find him in his luxurious cedar palace, surrounded by comfort. Meanwhile, the Ark of the Covenant—the symbol of God’s presence—rests in a humble tent outside. This contrast gnaws at David. He wants to build something magnificent for God, something lasting. But just as he prepares to act, God interrupts: “David, you won’t build a house for Me—I will build through you.”

In that moment, everything changes. In the Hebrew, God promises a bayt—which is not just a physical house, but a legacy, a future beyond what David could see. Like David, we often long for control and stability. We make plans, but when things don’t go as expected, God shows us a path we hadn’t considered.

I know this feeling well. Growing up in a church where women couldn’t serve as pastors, I thought my role in ministry was limited. I focused on studies and hard work, believing I could prove my worth through these things. Yet, something still felt missing. When I finally let go of my plans, I realized God had been calling me to ministry all along—a path that has filled me with hope and purpose.

In a world that values independence, God calls us to something deeper. True healing and restoration come through our interconnectedness—in community, where we build each other up in faith and love. God is creating a collective home for all of us.

So, what plans or ideas are you clinging to? Is it time to trust in something greater? God is weaving a story that includes your hopes and dreams, along with those dreams you have not yet realized.