His Plan

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | Beth Grace

Zechariah 5-14

Zechariah was a prophet after the 70-year Babylonian exile, beginning his ministry during the reign of Darius, ruler of the Medes and Persians, around 520 B.C. Zechariah is a book of encouragement, but it is also a warning. Through Zechariah, the Lord called His people out for not living for Him. They needed to repent and turn back to Him.

This book reminds us that even during times of uncertainty, God’s mercy and faithfulness remain as He continues to call His people to return and reminds them of His promise of restoration. It also reminds us that God is sovereign over all things. Throughout all 14 chapters, we see God warn of things to come while also promising the final outcome for His people.

Once again, this book, like many others in the Bible, allows me to see that mankind has not changed much since the very beginning. Just as God’s people would turn away from Him when life got comfortable, then cry out when the Lord allowed things to go badly because of their unfaithfulness, we do the very same thing today.

I couldn’t help thinking about the anniversary of 9/11. That morning, I was cutting down some trees in front of First Baptist Canton when my wife, Terry, drove up and told me what was happening. It was hard for me to wrap my head around what had happened and what might be next. It was all anybody was talking about for a long time, and amazingly, the following Sunday and for months to come, church attendance was up all over America.

I was a fireman for the city of Arlington at the time, and we started having all kinds of new training. Terrorism was the new focus of the day, and going to church was one way many people dealt with the fear.

Isaiah 55:8 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Jeremiah 29:11–13 reminds me that God has plans for His people and that when we seek Him, He will hear us.

For me, these are great reminders that I am not in control of anything other than how I respond to the things in this life God has so generously given me. No matter what is happening in the world around us, we should always keep our eyes on the Lord.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).