You don’t have to be a college basketball fan to have heard the term “March Madness.” This term refers to the NCAA basketball tournament that takes place every spring. A fun activity that people like to do is fill out a bracket in an attempt to predict which of the 64 teams will win in each round and eventually be crowned champion. Some fill the brackets out among their family, some their friends, and some with coworkers. It’s a fun little competition to pass the time.

Well, if you filled out a bracket for March Madness this year, chances are it’s already in shambles. ESPN had over 24 million brackets submitted, and after just the first round, only 8 remained perfect. By the end of the second round? Not a single one.

No matter how much we analyze stats, watch game film, take a shot in the dark, or trust our gut instincts, the tournament always finds a way to surprise us. Upsets happen. Underdogs rise. The “sure thing” turns out to be not-so-sure. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we think we have life figured out, we’re never truly in control.

But there is One whose plans never fail. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Unlike our busted brackets, God’s plan is never off course. His love for us isn’t based on whether we perform well or make the right picks. Even when life feels unpredictable and full of upsets, He remains steady.

So as the tournament continues and our brackets crumble, let it be a reminder: while our plans are fragile, God’s plan is firm. And that’s something we can always count on—no overtime needed.

May God hold you,

Rev Chris Hester