Change Church Podcast Summary
Episode: This Wasn't Part of The Plan
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Host: Pastor Dharius Daniels
Description: Thank you for subscribing to Change Church's Podcast. Enjoy the messages of Pastor Dharius Daniels. Visit our website at www.lifechange.org

Introduction and Opening Worship

The episode kicks off with an uplifting worship session led by the church’s worship team. Beginning at [00:00], the initial prayer sets the tone for the sermon, emphasizing a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and blessings:

"Walk out these doors. Your people are seeking an encounter with you that'll be fruitful in their lives forever... We pray and ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus the Christ. Come on and say amen."
— Worship Leader [00:00]

The congregation enthusiastically responds with "amen," creating an atmosphere of unity and expectation.

Honoring Leadership

Pastor Dharius Daniels expresses deep appreciation for the church’s senior leadership. He highlights the invaluable contributions of his wife, Pastor Shamika Daniels, challenging the traditional saying, "Behind every great man is a great woman," by asserting:

"Next to every great man is a great woman. Can we make some noise for Pastor Shamika Daniels?"
— Pastor Dharius Daniels [02:15]

The church responds with applause and cheers, celebrating the partnership and strength of Pastor Shamika.

Introducing the Guest Speaker: Pastor Desan Robinson

The spotlight shifts to Pastor Desan Robinson, the campus pastor for the Gwinnett location. With enthusiasm, he prepares the congregation for the main message:

"I'm excited to bring the Word of God. I feel like preaching today. Y'all ready for the Word? To God be the glory."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [03:00]

Main Sermon: “This Wasn't Part of The Plan”

Biblical Foundation: Acts 28

Pastor Robinson delves into Acts 28, recounting the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck on the island of Malta. He draws parallels between Paul's unexpected detour and the unforeseen challenges in our own lives:

"Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta... Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [05:30]

He emphasizes the theme that “This wasn't part of the plan,” illustrating how divine intervention can redirect our paths for greater purposes.

Personal Reflections and Church Traditions

Drawing from his rich background, Pastor Robinson shares memories of his upbringing in the Second St. John Mission Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. He reminisces about the old-school Baptist traditions, highlighting the depth of spiritual wisdom imparted by seasoned saints:

"They would say things like, 'Baby, you can't beat God's given no matter how hard you try.' It sound like y'all been the second St. John..."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [10:45]

Trusting God's Timing Over Human Agendas

A central theme of the sermon revolves around trusting God's sovereign timing rather than adhering to societal or personal timelines. Pastor Robinson underscores that delays or detours in life are orchestrated by God for a higher purpose:

"Every detour and delay in my life is only divine direction to his destined place for me. So even in seasons when God is making audacious requests that I either feel too old for or too inexperienced for, I came to encourage you that God is right on time."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [15:20]

He references Isaiah 46:10 to reinforce that only God knows the beginning from the end, urging listeners to align their agendas with divine plans.

Avoiding the Snare of Comparison

Pastor Robinson warns against the common trap of comparing one’s journey to others’, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or misplaced priorities:

"We often are too consumed with measuring ourselves against timelines that the culture or our family has established. But we must get to a place... we're seeking God about the what he wants us to know or do while we're in it."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [20:00]

Scriptural Insights: Matthew 16 and Romans 8:28

He draws lessons from Matthew 16, highlighting Peter’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission, and Romans 8:28, which assures believers that “all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord.”

"Last I checked, Romans 8:28 told me that all things work together for the good of them that are the called who love the Lord and are the called according to his purpose."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [22:30]

Enduring Foreign Places, Fire, and False Narratives

Pastor Robinson outlines practical strategies for navigating life’s unexpected detours:

1. Enduring Foreign Places: Learning to thrive in unfamiliar and challenging environments.
2. Enduring Fire: Understanding that trials are meant to purify and reveal true faith.
3. Enduring False Narratives: Maintaining one's testimony without succumbing to others' misconceptions.

"Every ship that fell apart in your life is a testimony that God is worthy of your praise. It wasn't part of the enemy's plan. What you're going through is not part of your schedule, but it's part of God's sovereignty."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [30:45]

Practical Applications and Prophetic Declarations

Concluding his sermon, Pastor Robinson encourages listeners to embrace God’s timing and purpose actively. He prophesies a season of divine assistance, urging the congregation to seek the "win" in their current circumstances rather than rushing toward future victories:

"I decree that in the last quarter of this year, you will not be a slave to the agendas of humans. God is saying over your life, I don't care if it looks too late to you. It's right on time to me."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [35:15]

He challenges the audience to shift their focus from when challenges will end to what God intends them to learn and accomplish during these times.

Conclusion: Embracing God’s Sovereignty

As the sermon wraps up, Pastor Robinson reinforces the message that God’s plans transcend human expectations. He calls for unwavering faith and trust in divine timing, ensuring that believers are on the right path, even when circumstances seem contrary.

"God is right on time. I know you thought you'd be [insert example], but you're right on time. Don't make no silly decisions out of desperation."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [38:50]

The episode concludes with a powerful affirmation of faith, leaving listeners inspired to align their lives with God's greater plan.

Key Takeaways

• Divine Timing vs. Human Schedules: Trusting that God’s timing is perfect, even when life’s events seem out of order.
• Endurance Through Trials: Embracing challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper faith.
• Avoiding Comparisons: Focusing on one’s unique path and God-given purpose instead of measuring against others.
• Active Faith: Seeking God’s purpose in the present rather than fixating on future outcomes.

Notable Quotes

• "Every detour and delay in my life is only divine direction to his destined place for me."
  — Pastor Desan Robinson [15:20]

• "You must endure a foreign place. It's uncomfortable... but God is saying, you're still on time."
  — Pastor Desan Robinson [25:10]

• "I decree that... you will not be a slave to the agendas of humans. God is saying over your life, I don't care if it looks too late to you. It's right on time to me."
  — Pastor Desan Robinson [35:15]

Final Encouragement

Pastor Desan Robinson leaves the congregation with a stirring call to action: to embrace God’s sovereignty, seek His purpose in every season, and trust that all experiences, planned or unplanned, are steps toward divine destiny.

"Your survival is attached to souls. Your overcoming is attached to others. It wasn’t part of the enemy's plan. It was part of God's plan."
— Pastor Desan Robinson [39:30]

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal journeys, recognize God’s hand in every detour, and move forward with renewed faith and purpose.

Visit www.lifechange.org for more inspiring messages and to connect with Change Church.