In this powerful and timely message, the Lord speaks a clear directive: “Don’t Deviate from the Plan.” Just like Jonah, many of us have felt the urge to go our own way, but in this season, God is calling His people to stay the course. The storms around us may tempt us to detour, but obedience is critical—not just for us, but for everyone connected to our journey.

Introduction:
God’s plan is still good. The Holy Spirit prompted this word as a warning and encouragement to the body of Christ. Now is not the time to veer off course. While everyone’s journey may be different, God’s universal plan for every believer includes:

1. Knowing God personally
   John 17:3 – Relationship with God is the foundation of eternal life.
2. Becoming like Christ
   Romans 8:29 – We are predestined to be conformed to Jesus’ image.
3. Doing good works and bearing fruit
   Ephesians 2:10 – We are created to walk in the good works God prepared for us.
4. Making disciples
   Matthew 28:19 – We are called to spread the Gospel and build His kingdom.
5. Living for God's glory
   1 Corinthians 10:31 – Every action should reflect and honor God.

This framework answers the question: “What is God’s plan for my life?”

What does it mean to deviate?
To deviate is to stray from the assigned path. It’s choosing convenience over consistency and substituting our will for God’s. Like Jonah, we sometimes flee from assignments we don’t understand or want—but God’s purpose must be fulfilled.

Key Points of the Message:

I. Deviation Endangers Others

• Jonah’s disobedience triggered a storm that threatened everyone on the ship.
• Deviation doesn’t just affect you—it endangers your family, ministry, and those around you.
• Your obedience is directly connected to someone else’s deliverance and breakthrough.

II. Deviation Delays Destiny

• Jonah’s flight led to him being swallowed by a great fish and stuck in darkness for three days.
• Running from God always delays the blessings and purpose He has for you.
• Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Don’t prolong your breakthrough by going the wrong direction.

III. Deviation Demands a Return

• Jonah had to go back to the original assignment. God didn’t change His plan—He waited for Jonah to obey.
• God’s Word came to Jonah a second time (Jonah 3:1), showing that His purpose is unshakable.
• God’s calling will keep circling back until you surrender.

Conclusion:
Deviation starts as delay but can lead to devastation. Don’t let temporary comfort cost you your eternal calling. Repent, return, and fulfill the mission God gave you. There is a nation assigned to your voice—don’t leave them waiting.

In this inspiring and timely message drawn from the story of Lazarus, we are reminded that faith isn’t a one-time experience—it’s a journey. Through the lens of Martha’s encounter with Jesus after her brother’s death, we see how faith evolves, stretches, and grows even in seasons of delay, loss, or impossibility.

Martha believed Jesus could heal Lazarus while he was alive—but when Jesus arrived after Lazarus had died, her words still carried power: “Even now, whatever You ask of God, He will give it to You.” This declaration becomes the foundation of the message: faith that believes beyond the grave, beyond the closed doors, beyond the deadline.

This sermon is a call to those whose situations seem too far gone—relationships, dreams, ministries, or health—reminding us that Jesus is not restricted by time or circumstance. Even now… He can do it.

I. Elevated Faith

John 11:22
Martha’s faith evolved—from believing in healing to believing in resurrection.

• Delays don't cancel God's promises; they elevate our faith.
• "Even Now" faith dares to expect what seems impossible.
• Elevated faith stretches into the supernatural, into what we haven’t seen God do yet.

II. Even Now Faith

Luke 8:49–50
When Jairus was told his daughter was dead, Jesus said: “Fear not: believe only.”

Even Now means:

1. It’s never too late with God.
2. Delay is not denial.
3. God moves beyond deadlines.
4. Resurrection is possible.
5. Faith confronts finality.
6. Faith finds a way.

Reflection: God doesn’t just heal—He makes whole. Faith thrives in the face of impossibility.

III. At Your Word

Matthew 8:8
The centurion said, “Just speak the word and my servant will be healed.”

• Martha and the centurion shared the same truth: If You say it, that settles it.
• God’s Word still has the power to shift reality.
• Faith doesn’t always require presence—just permission from heaven.

IV. Prophetic Declaration

God is speaking LIFE to what has looked lifeless:

1. He’s reviving what you gave up on.
2. “Even Now” faith opens closed doors and redeems lost seasons.
3. Missed moments are becoming miraculous movements.

V. Cold Case / Cold Faith

Like the show Cold Case, where unsolved crimes are reopened, many of us have filed away:

• Dead dreams
• Forgotten prayers
• Abandoned assignments

But today, God is reopening the case.

• The enemies of faith—fear, doubt, and delay—have been exposed.
• Your faith is being revived.
• The case is reopened and the verdict is VICTORY!

Takeaway Truth:

Closing Invitation:
If you’ve closed the door on something because of time, pain, or silence—this message is for you. Tune in and declare with boldness: Even Now, God Can.

In this motivating and spiritually-charged sermon, Minister Gary Woodson encourages believers to “Stay in Motion”—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Anchored in Romans 12:4-5, the message reminds us that we are all members of one body in Christ, each with a unique role and purpose. When one part moves, the rest are impacted. God has gifted us with the ability to manage our emotions, especially when it comes to how others influence us. The key? Staying grounded and moving forward in God.

Minister Woodson illustrates the message using the example of a rowing team—eight rowers guided by a coxswain. In our spiritual walk, the Holy Ghost is our Coxswain, setting the pace and giving direction. But Jesus is the Captain of the boat—our lives. When we let God lead, we move in sync with His purpose. God is in control—trust Him.

2 Peter 1:5-8 outlines eight spiritual qualities that help us stay spiritually productive:

• Faith
• Goodness
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Perseverance
• Godliness
• Mutual affection
• Love

These virtues aren’t just suggestions—they are spiritual tools that keep us effective and fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. When we cultivate these, we remain spiritually in motion.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• Trust what God has placed in you. He has equipped you to control your attitude and reactions.
• Stay means remain. In means present. Stay present in God’s will.
• Let the Holy Ghost guide you, and let Jesus lead. He knows where the boat of your life needs to go.
• Surround yourself with winners. Build a team that’s spiritually effective, productive, and aligned with God’s direction.
• Don’t lose your momentum. Even in resistance, keep rowing—keep believing.
• Listen to God. When you do, you will not fall.
• Every time we row, we row in victory.
• Stand tall even if you must stand alone.
• Declare over your life: “Not today or tomorrow, Satan!”

Closing Encouragement:
Minister Woodson reminds us that momentum is spiritual. Once you're in motion in Christ, don’t let anything slow you down. Victory is already declared for those who stay the course, follow the Spirit, and keep their eyes fixed forward. No matter the storm, no matter the opposition—stay in motion and trust the One who leads your boat.