It's Not All About You

Living for God's Plan, Not Your Preference

We live in a world that constantly tells us to “follow your heart,” “chase your dreams,” and “do what makes you happy.” But as believers, we’re not called to live that way. We’re called to something much greater—something selfless, powerful, and deeply fulfilling. We're called to live for God.

That’s what this message is about. It’s about reminding myself—and maybe reminding you too—that it’s not all about me. It’s about Him.

God's Plan, Not Mine

We love to talk about how God is in control, and He is. But the truth is, He works through people—people who surrender to His plan.

God said in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

That means sometimes we’ll pray for something and not get it. And instead of being mad at God, maybe we should be thankful. Because He saw what we couldn’t. There are relationships, jobs, and opportunities I once begged God for—and now I thank Him that He said “no.” Why? Because it wasn’t about His plan. It was about my preference.

Surrender Your Will

Before I got saved, I wasn’t a bad person by the world’s standards. But I was selfish. I did everything for my own benefit. I only did what made me look good, me feel good, me succeed.

And then Jesus changed my heart.

Now I live for others. I live to serve. That’s what Jesus modeled. In Luke 22:42, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

That’s our example.

If the Son of God could pray that, why do I think it should be any different for me?

You Are Not the Center

Let me say this gently: You’re not the main character. Neither am I.

God’s story isn’t about us—it’s about Him. We’re a part of His plan, not the other way around.

Romans 9:20-21 reminds us, “Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?”

God created you on purpose, for a purpose. But when we make life all about our feelings, our comfort, and our timeline, we start walking in circles like the Israelites in the wilderness—just going around the same mountain over and over.

Don’t Miss the Move of God

Sometimes the greatest moments of breakthrough happen when we least feel like showing up.

You ever have those days when you’re tired, drained, maybe even angry, and you think, I’m not going to church today?

And then God moves powerfully that day.

The truth is, His presence changes everything. Even your pain.

I've learned that pain can get my attention—but praise can override it. And when I press into God's presence, I often find that what hurt me before suddenly doesn’t carry the same weight. It’s not always instant, but it is real.

Spiritual Growth Requires Sacrifice

True greatness begins with surrender. That’s not a popular message. The world says strength is in pride, independence, and self-promotion. But Jesus flipped that on its head.

He came not to be served, but to serve. He came as a King—but was born in a barn.

He washed feet. He broke bread with sinners. He laid down His life for people who rejected Him.

That’s the model.

And I can tell you, the more I die to myself, the more alive I feel in Christ.

Be an Example, Not a Spotlight

I’ve seen people throw Bible verses on their business cards and fish stickers on their bumpers, but live like it’s all about them. That’s not what Jesus called us to do.

Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

That means how I work matters. How I talk matters. How I treat people matters. It’s not about proving I’m a Christian—it’s about reflecting His character.

I don’t want to be the guy who just looks spiritual. I want to be the guy who lives it.

Stay in Your Lane

I’ve learned something from racing—and from life: you can’t get where God wants you to go by following someone else’s lane.

You’ve got to stay in yours.

That means knowing your calling, obeying God’s direction, and trusting the pace He’s set for you. Sometimes He slows you down to protect you. Sometimes He speeds you up to stretch you. But in all of it—He’s in control.

Let go of comparison. Let go of jealousy. Let go of the idea that you’re supposed to be somewhere else by now.

You’re not late. You’re right on time if you’re in His will.

Obedience Unlocks Miracles

We want blessings, but we often ignore the obedience that comes before them.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Your plan may seem good—but if it’s not God’s plan, it’s not going to last. And when things start falling apart, it’s not punishment—it’s redirection.

He’s not punishing you. He’s trying to position you.

The Enemy Hates God's Plan—Not Just You

Ever wonder why you’re going through so much? Why it seems like every step forward is met with pushback?

It’s because the enemy isn’t just attacking you—he’s attacking God’s plan in you.

Satan doesn’t care about your comfort. He’s scared of your calling.

But as long as you stay surrendered to God, as long as you keep walking in obedience, no weapon formed against you will prosper. Not because of your strength, but because of His presence.

Your Story Is Part of His Glory

Let me leave you with this.

Whatever you’ve been through—whether it was your fault or not—God can use it. He never wastes pain. He redeems it. He restores it. He turns what was meant for evil into good.

But only when we stop making it about us.

We have to shift from saying, “God, bless what I’m doing,” to “God, help me do what You’re blessing.”

We need to stop trying to make God part of our story and start making ourselves part of His.

Final Thought: Not My Will, But Yours

That’s my prayer every day now: Not my will, but yours be done.

When I don’t understand—not my will.When I don’t feel strong—not my will.When life feels unfair—not my will.When I’m tempted to quit—not my will.When I’m blessed beyond measure—still not my will.

Because I know I didn’t earn this life. I didn’t build this peace. I didn’t create this joy.

He did.

And if He did it, then He gets the glory.