Trusting God’s Plan: Reflections on Proverbs 19:21

A Leader’s Journey: Trump’s Testimony of Faith

My husband, Vandy, has always been fascinated by leadership. Even before Donald Trump became a U.S. president, Vandy admired his bold approach to business and his unyielding determination. He followed Trump’s ventures, from his successes in IPOs to his presidency. What struck Vandy most was how a man, not initially seen as spiritual, began to show signs of faith and alignment with Christian values.

When Trump secured his second term as president, Vandy was overjoyed, celebrating as though he were an American citizen himself. I jokingly asked if this meant he’d visit the U.S. to meet Trump face-to-face, and to my surprise, he enthusiastically said, “Yes!”

Trump’s presidency has been far from smooth. Yet, his life story—from a business tycoon to a leader influenced by Christian principles—is a testament to God’s transformative power. It’s a reminder that God can use anyone, even those who might not seem spiritual at first, to fulfill His plans. This renewed purpose for America under his leadership echoes Proverbs 19:21: God’s purpose will always stand, even amidst challenges.

Reflection 1: God’s Plans Are Greater Than Ours

Looking back, I can see how my own life’s trajectory has mirrored this verse. As a young woman in the Philippines, I had dreams of becoming a flight stewardess. I studied Tourism, envisioning a glamorous life traveling the world. But when my father passed away, those dreams took a backseat. My new reality as the family’s breadwinner meant seeking practical work to support my siblings. I joined the call center industry, where the salary was better than in the airline industry. Though it wasn’t what I had planned, God’s provision was evident.

Years later, God began to stir my heart for missions. At first, I resisted. Cambodia was an unknown and intimidating place to me, often associated with its tragic history. My mother was against the idea, and I had plenty of excuses to avoid stepping into the unknown. Yet, as I prayed and wrestled with God, I surrendered my fears and desires to Him.

Fast forward to today, I’m grateful God brought me to Cambodia. Here, I’ve witnessed His faithfulness in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve found purpose, family, and ministry—proving that God’s plans are always better than ours.

Reflection 2: God’s Purpose Shapes Nations and Leaders

The intersection of faith and leadership is fascinating. Trump’s journey as a leader reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s plan. His presidency—marked by challenges, scrutiny, and a shift toward Christian values—is a powerful example of how God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. Vandy often shares how he sees Trump’s leadership as a symbol of renewed hope for America, a nation once deeply rooted in Christian principles.

This perspective also resonates in our mission work in Cambodia. As pastors, we’ve seen how God raises unlikely leaders and transforms lives for His glory. Whether it’s a young couple in our church stepping up to disciple others or a student finding Christ amidst cultural pressures, God’s purpose shines through. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while human plans are many, God’s purpose will always prevail—for individuals, nations, and His kingdom.

Reflection 3: Trusting God in Uncertainty

Trusting God’s plan isn’t always easy, especially when the future seems uncertain. When I first moved to Cambodia, I didn’t know what to expect. I had to leave behind the familiar comforts of home and step into a culture and language I didn’t understand. There were times of loneliness, doubt, and struggle. But in those moments, I clung to Proverbs 19:21, trusting that God’s purpose would prevail even when I couldn’t see the bigger picture.

In our ministry, we often counsel others to trust God in the face of uncertainty. For instance, we recently encouraged a young couple in our church who were struggling with their child’s potential developmental challenges. Their journey reminded me of our own with David, our son with autism. Through it all, we’ve seen God’s faithfulness as we leaned on Him. David is now thriving in school, and we’ve learned to trust God’s plan for his life—a plan far greater than we could have envisioned.

Living in Light of God’s Purpose

Proverbs 19:21 serves as a powerful reminder that God’s purpose will always prevail. Whether it’s in the life of a nation, a leader like Trump, or in our personal journeys, His plans are always for our good and His glory. As a pastor’s wife, a mom, and a servant in Cambodia, I’ve seen firsthand how surrendering to God’s will leads to a life of joy, purpose, and peace.

Blessing to you all!

The Hourngs serving in Cambodia