Oikeo Call #29: Just Make It Happen

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.”

– Exodus 14:13 (NIV)

This month, Gwen Franklin stepped in for Dr. Denise Brown and brought a word that didn’t just encourage—it called for action. The title was simple but sharp: Just Make It Happen.

But let’s be clear.

This wasn’t about hustle culture or pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. This message wasn’t about striving harder. It was about surrendering smarter. Gwen asked us to reflect on what happens when Plan A fails… then B, C, and even D fall apart too. What happens when you’ve done all you know to do, and your strength has run out? When the door won’t budge, the resources have dried up, and the backup plan needs a backup?

That’s when the question gets real: Will you lean into faith, or will you fall back into fear?

“Who’s in Charge?”

We often operate like it’s us. Our calendars, our careers, our control. But the Word reminds us otherwise:

• Luke 12:22 – “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”
• John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We are not in control. God is. And that’s not a reason to panic—that’s a reason to exhale. There’s peace in knowing that God’s hands are stronger, steadier, and more strategic than ours could ever be.

Maturity: Measured by Dependence, Not Independence

Gwen turned the table on how the world measures maturity. Out there, maturity is about being self-made. In the Kingdom? It’s about being God-held.

• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
• Psalm 6:5 – “Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?”

It’s not weakness to rely on God. It’s spiritual strength. And we need that strength now more than ever. This life, this economy, this grief, this disappointment—it will swallow you if you try to fight with flesh alone. But dependence on God is what matures your faith and sustains your soul.

Trust the One Who Can Actually Make It Happen

Some of us are running plans God never authorized. Others are watching their dreams die because we’re too scared to release control.

But Gwen reminded us: Only God has the power to make it happen.

• Psalm 91 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
• Isaiah 12:2 – “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.”
• Romans 8:6 – “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Moses stood at the Red Sea with a terrified people behind him and an impossible sea in front. God’s instructions? “Do not be afraid. Stand firm.” It didn’t make sense… until it did. Until the sea split. Until the dry ground appeared. Until God made it happen That same God is with you now.

Questions to Wrestle With This Week:

•  What are you believing God for
• How is your attitude like the Israelites? Complaining? Defeated? Distrusting?
• How are you releasing your plan for His power?

The Takeaway:

We all get tired. We all hit walls. But spiritual maturity is found in those moments when we drop our plans and pick up God’s promises. When we stop spinning and start standing firm. When we stop blaming and start believing.

You’ve done all you can. Now trust God to do what only He can.

Call to Action:

Say it out loud:

“I’m not God. I don’t have to figure this out. But I trust the One who can make it happen.”

Get serious about your faith. Get intentional about your surrender. It’s time to Just Make It Happen—by letting God lead. Join us next month for another Oikeo Call. And remember: “Someone on this call is going through something and doesn’t want to open their mouth. This is your time. Come get what you need.”

Hear The Call