January 6, 2026

GOD’S PREPARED DESTINY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”

Jeremiah 33:3, NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

I don’t know what this new year will hold. I’m not even certain about today or tomorrow. Life has a way of surprising us.

Here is the good news: God is never surprised.

He knows tomorrow better than we know yesterday. And He invites us to ask Him for direction, promising to reveal “remarkable secrets” about what lies ahead.

These words were first spoken to Jeremiah during one of Israel’s darkest moments. Jerusalem was under Babylonian siege. The future looked hopeless. Jeremiah himself was imprisoned. Yet right there—in confinement, in chaos—God spoke of plans, purpose, and what was still to come.

That leads to a second truth: God always has a plan.

No matter how uncertain or discouraging our circumstances may feel, God is still at work. He has intentions, objectives, and victories He desires to accomplish in and through our lives. Even when things look bleak, God is moving good toward us.

Which brings us to a third truth: our role is to discern God’s plan.

This requires time with the Word of God and the Spirit of God. As we ask and listen, clarity begins to form. Questions like this matter:

• What vision does God have for my life?

• Why has He placed me here, in this community, at this moment in history?

As God’s vision becomes clearer, we can begin identifying practical steps that move us from where we are to where He is leading. This is where intentional goals come into play.

One helpful way to bring clarity to our goals is the S.M.A.R.T. framework:

Specific – Vague goals produce vague results.

Instead of “I want to grow this year,” try “I want to grow by reading 12 books this year.”

Measurable – Good goals can be evaluated.

“I want to be healthier” becomes “I want to lose 15 pounds and walk 10 miles each week.”

Attainable – Faith stretches us, but wisdom grounds us.

Rather than aiming for an unrealistic leap, choose a goal that challenges you while remaining achievable.

Relevant – God-given goals align with God-given purpose.

Learning a skill becomes powerful when it connects to God’s calling and the people, He wants you to serve.

Time-Based – Deadlines create direction.

Putting a date on a goal transforms intention into action.

If God created us with purpose, then we must seek that purpose. And once we begin to understand it, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us—step by step—toward the destiny God has prepared.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, reveal the plans You have for my life. Help me discern what lies ahead and give me wisdom to take daily steps toward Your dream for me. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”