Can You Manifest God’s Plan?
Why Joseph—and your life—cannot be manifested but must be trusted to God
“You will be a pastor one day! You should be a pastor.” My grandma used to say that about my future.
She was an unabashed affirmer. Her life was purposed in speaking life over her children and grandchildren. If you drew a stick figure, she put it on her fridge like it was the Mona Lisa. She believed in us—even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.
At twenty-three, I laughed it off. Be a pastor? No thanks. Where was the money in that? Where was the purpose?
Now I’m thirty-six. I’ve worked for a church. I’ve earned a master’s in Apologetics and Evangelism. And if I rewind six years, I find myself in a valley in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan—an infantry officer in combat against ISIS—planting my first church.
Maybe my grandma knew something in her declining years. More importantly, God knew. He always knows. He gives words, dreams, and direction to those who desire Him.
Joseph’s Dream
Joseph was one of those people. As a boy, he dreamed of ruling. Excited and naïve, he told his brothers they would bow down to him. He believed it—but he didn’t try to manifest it.
Instead, he endured pits, chains, and trials for thirty years.
And then—in God’s time, by God’s word—he rose to second in command of Egypt.
Psalm 105:19 says, “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.”
Joseph’s life proves it. God alone fulfills His word, not us. Waiting tests us. Shortcuts tempt us. Our calling is to trust, fear, and remember Him.
Why Manifestation Falls Short
We live in a culture of shortcuts, manifestation, and instant blessings.
But when I sit in my blue chair and speak to the King of Kings, I am reminded:
There are no shortcuts.
Manifestation is an illusion.
Instant blessing often rots the character it touches.
At best, I can focus on a goal and take steps toward it. But even that pales in comparison to the story God writes when we surrender.
Never Finished Challenge: Remember
Remember: Record God’s works—answered prayers, His discipline, His provision. Let both mercy and judgment deepen your awe.
Reject: Resist the subtle pride of manifestation. Choose the humility of prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Rest: Like Joseph, trust that your testing has an appointed end. God’s timing, not your striving, brings the promise to life.
Read: Don’t just camp in comforting verses. Read the whole Bible. Pair passages of judgment with passages of mercy. Sit with the Spirit and with godly community until you understand.
Repent: Hold gratitude and confession together. Thank God for His gifts, and then confess your sins. That rhythm keeps your faith whole.
What Does Today Say About God?
Final.
He is final.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
God’s word is the last word. That truth gives me confidence. The King of Kings has invited me into His story—a story unshakable, true, and eternal.
The faithful steps of remembering and living for His glory have given me a life I never could have imagined—a life rich with fruit that will last into eternity.
What a King.
What a Father.
What a Friend.
Thank you, Jesus.