Week of Prayer and Fasting
Join congregations across the Brethren in Christ U.S. as we pray, reflect, and seek God during the start of a new year.
January 3-10, 2021
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
2020 was a year that did not work out as planned. Like most years, it began with high hopes and exciting resolutions. But those were soon dashed on the rocks of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Around the world, people were forced to deal with the reality that things do not always work out as we hoped, dreamed, or planned.
The beautiful witness of Scripture is that this is not a new reality. The Bible is filled with stories of people who experienced the unexpected. In these stories, we learn that faithfully following God does not guarantee immunity from surprises, disruptions, and hardships. I am fairly certain that none of the “sufferings” that Paul recounts in 2 Corinthians 11 were part of his plans.
The readings for this year’s Week of Prayer and Fasting focus on the fact that life does not always (or ever?) go according to plan. I encourage you to reflect on each reading and then reflect on your own story. What has been your experience in this season? How have you experienced God working alongside you on this journey?
Let us remind ourselves that even when life takes unplanned detours, we can continue to trust in God who is with us every step of the way.
Blessings as you start this new year,
Alan Robinson
BIC U.S. National Director
Devotional Materials
- Day 1 – Our Ever-Present Help
- Day 2 – Lord Willing
- Day 3 – A Turning Point
- Day 4 – Worship on the Worst Days
- Day 5 – Sudden Changes
- Day 6 – Honest Grief in the Midst of Joy
- Day 7 – Steady and Strong
- Day 8 – Treasured Perspective
Note: This PDF can be printed as a foldable booklet with each day’s devotional sized to fit a half sheet of paper.