Do you ever wonder what is God’s plan for your life? How can you be certain?
I remember feeling the pressure to make decisions in high school as to what I would do for the rest of my life. Some leave school with a clear vision for what they wish to accomplish, but others struggle to find direction and purpose. Neither planning too much or too little is what God wants from us.
As believers we must remember that our life is not our own to do with as we please. When we place our faith in Jesus, we surrender our will and our lives. This includes our dreams and our goals. We may plan in a certain direction, but it’s vital that we allow God to change or adapt those plans to His pleasing and perfect will.
Often we are afraid to surrender our plans to the Lord because we believe He will send us in a direction we don’t want to go. But God knows you more intimately than you know yourself. He created your personality and knows exactly what you need. Following Jesus requires trusting in His goodness and depending on the love He has for you.
Jeremiah, the prophet, recognized that he was not in control of his own plans. “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for a man to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 20:23 NIV
Walking with God starts with surrendering each day to Him. Invite Him to direct your day. Allow Him to interrupt. Let His Word guide every action and thought. Plan your days with an eye on heaven and a foot on the ground, holding your precious schedule loosely in your hands.
When you do this you will find that, step by step, you are being led into the direction He desires. You may find yourself in strange and wonderful places that you had not anticipated. This is part of the adventure.
On the flipside, not having a plan or vision is also problematic. Scripture makes it very clear that we are to be a productive and creative people. The story of the talents as told in Mathew 25 reveals that though God gives gifts and abilities in differing amounts, we are called to make the most of what He has entrusted to us. Proverbs is filled with warnings for those who squander their time and talents and choose idleness instead.
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. Proverbs 28:19 NIV
God’s will for your life unfolds bit by bit as you walk daily in obedience to His word. You will never see the full picture, but by His grace, you will be able to look behind you and see evidence of His leading. Trust Him with today, and He will lead you into a deeper, more meaningful and abundant life.
