The Peculiar Yet Good Plans of God

by Jonathan & Lynne Zavodney • January 6, 2025

In his heart a man plans his way, but Yahweh directs his steps ~ Proverbs 16:9

On Saturday, January 4, Lynne, Nora, and I moved again, but before I write about it, we first pause to give great thanks to our God. December was filled with His faithfulness in small and big ways. I completed my fourth course for the PhD program, Old Testament Prophets; Nora continues to grow and to give generously of her smiles;  and the three Z’s got to journey to Ohio to introduce our little girl to her large family. While in Ohio, Nora met her two great-grandmas (pictures below) and her great grandpa and received many kisses in the process. God certainly blessed our time with our families, and we are so very grateful for his kindness in this regard.

Now, concerning our move… to make a long story short, God opened the door for us to serve with Apartment Life, a ministry that leverages community in apartments for gospel proclamation. We will help to foster community in the complex—ultimately longing to introduce people to Christ in exchange for a discounted apartment, which is such a provision from God on many accounts. So, we moved on Saturday and are settling in, eager to engage with our neighbors as we long for Christ to be exalted among the nations. Thus, though God’s plans are peculiar in our perception—having us move twice in only a few months—they are good! This new apartment is better than we could have imagined, and our “jobs” of being hospitable to our neighbors is something we are eager to do anyways. 

On December 9th, I started my fifth course (out of ten courses), Old Testament Historical Books. So far we’ve considered the beauty of narrative and how biblical authors leverage rhetorical devices artfully to convey the meaning of a story. It is quite beautiful!

Equally, in the Fellowship, I’ve been able to help Dr. DeRouchie to publish more content to his website. In this way, we are making it accessible to pastors and church members around the globe! 

As you think of us, please pray:

- Pray that God would go before us and bless our efforts with Apartment Life, to love our neighbors as Christ does.
- Pray that God would continue to grant us wisdom as we juggle family, school, the Fellowship, a church plant, and a new ministry.
- Pray that God would provide partners to supply the last 30% of our funding (He’s provided 70% so far! )

We love you all dearly, and pray for you that, should Christ tarry, this year would be marked by ever-increasing affections for Christ—to know Him and to make Him known, to enjoy His word sincerely, and to delight in prayer. May Christ make His presence known to you as you seek His face.

Grace, peace, and joy to you in Jesus,
Jonathan, Lynne, & Nora
Servants & Stewards