I have often heard that God loves us and has a plan for our lives. You can drive yourself crazy trying to figure out exactly what that plan is. Since God doesn't make it a habit to speak to us in an audible voice, we often struggle in figuring out that God's plan is for us.
Let me share a secret about God’s plan - God’s plan doesn’t always mean just one thing. It could be many things under his “plan”. It doesn’t have to be a mystery and quite honestly we make it harder than it really is.
God says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
In my younger years I thought God’s plan was one thing and it was something to do with a ministry. I will be honest and tell you that wasted much of my time foundering because I was frustrated in trying to find out that plan. Some thought God’s plan for me was to become a preacher like my father and grandfather had been. I tried that path and realized very quickly that it wasn’t His plan for me. Another time I thought it was to be in other areas of ministry. It was frustrating because I was listening to others and what they thought the plan should be. It was forced. It was not His plan.
I have learned - much later in my life - that everything I do is a part of His plan. It isn’t about a title or some spiritual career ladder but just being the person God wants you to be. Instead of it being about what we do, it’s about who we are to others. I recently found a saying that “some people come into your life for a reason, some for a season and some for a lifetime.” We all play a part in God’s plan for us and others.
We don’t need more preachers and more churches, we need good people and good citizens. You aren’t a failure if you aren’t a preacher or have a ministry. If you are floundering, just trust God and leave the results to Him.
While writing this blog, my mind keeps going to this song from Steven Curtis Chapman:
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, fast food worker, nurse or some other role, you are fulfilling God’s plan. Don’t overthink or panic about it. As long as you maintain your relationship with God, you will fulfill His plan. He’s not always going to tell you all the details about His plan but if you stick with Him, He will lead you in the right path for you.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
Psalm 32:8
Don’t wait for a “word from God” just live your life as He wants you to live. Don’t spend your life floundering trying to find that magical plan for your life as I have done.
Life is full of twists and turns and things we never planned. Life happens and we don’t have to feel like we have missed God’s plan. God is more than capable of directing our course.
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21
