Christians were encouraged to remain faithful through life’s hardships with the assurance that God has a purpose for every challenge, as preacher Steward Kalan reminded worshippers that “God is not done with you.”
Preaching last Sabbath from Jeremiah 29:11 at Sogavare Memorial SDA in Gerehu Stage 6 of Port Moresby, Mr. Kalan said setbacks, disappointments and suffering should not be seen as the end of a person’s journey because God’s plans are greater than human plans.
Using the life of Joseph as his central message, he said God remained with Joseph through betrayal, slavery and imprisonment before eventually raising him to become governor of Egypt.
“At times we will be challenged like Joseph. At times we will be in the well, in prison or even feel like we have been sold, but God is with us through it all,” Mr. Kalan told the congregation.
Speaking on the topic, “God Is Not Done With You,” he said many people become discouraged when life does not unfold according to their own plans, yet Scripture teaches that God already has a purpose for every life.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:11, he reminded the congregation that God promises hope and a future for those who trust Him.
“You may be struggling in life, but God says, ‘I have a plan for you.’ Even before you were in your mother’s womb, God already knew His purpose for your life,” he said.
Mr. Kalan said human plans often fail because they are limited, while God’s plans never fail.
He referred to the story of Sarah, saying although she tried to fulfil God’s promise through her maidservant, God remained faithful to His original promise that Sarah herself would give birth to Isaac.
He challenged worshippers to reflect on the true meaning of prosperity, saying success is not measured only by wealth but also by health, contentment, happiness and faithfulness to God.
“If we cannot be content, what does it mean to be successful?” he asked.
Drawing from Deuteronomy 28, he said God desires His people to be “the head and not the tail,” provided they remain obedient to His commandments.
Mr. Kalan returned to the story of Joseph, describing him as a man who suffered rejection from his own brothers before being sold into slavery.
“Joseph was not a commodity, but he was sold. Yet God never abandoned him,” he said.
He said Joseph’s rise from prison to governor demonstrated that God can transform difficult circumstances into blessings for those who continue to trust Him.
Quoting Isaiah 55:8-9, Mr. Kalan reminded the congregation that God’s thoughts and ways are far above human understanding.
He also referred to the woman who touched the garment of Jesus and received healing through her faith, saying believers should place complete confidence in Christ.
Citing Proverbs 16:33, he concluded by encouraging worshippers to allow God to direct every aspect of their lives.
“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
“Stay with the Master Planner so you can fulfil the prosperous plan He has prepared for your life,” he said.