Good day Templar family.
Jeremiah 42:3 “Pray that the LORD your God may inform us as to how we should live and what we should do.”
We’ve all had those times where we’re scratching our heads and wondering, “What next?” Maybe you’re in that place right now. If you’re in high school, you might be wondering whether to go to college or pursue a trade. Perhaps you believe college is in your future, but which college? And what major? Maybe you’re single and wondering if God has that special someone ... moreGood day Templar family.
Jeremiah 42:3 “Pray that the LORD your God may inform us as to how we should live and what we should do.”
We’ve all had those times where we’re scratching our heads and wondering, “What next?” Maybe you’re in that place right now. If you’re in high school, you might be wondering whether to go to college or pursue a trade. Perhaps you believe college is in your future, but which college? And what major? Maybe you’re single and wondering if God has that special someone for you. Perhaps you need to make a significant career decision and wonder which step to take.
Many of us wonder what God’s plan is for our lives – in general, and specifically. David wrote that God planned our lives while in the womb: “Your eyes have seen my formless substance; and in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” (Psalm 139:16)
Let’s unwrap what God’s Word says about God’s plan for us. What is His ultimate plan for the universe, and what part do we play in His plan individually? How can we know His specific plan for us?
In the words of John Piper, “God’s ultimate plan for the universe is to glorify Himself through the white-hot worship of a blood-bought bride.”
Jesus came the first time to set right what went wrong in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin and death entered the world. In His foreknowledge, God’s ultimate plan existed from the foundations of the world – before Adam and Eve were even created. (Revelation 13:8, Matthew 25:34, 1 Peter 1:20).
God has a definite plan for all believers – specific things we need to be doing in this life. One part of that plan is the Great Commission, mentioned above. We have a divine directive to reach the lost – those nearby and those unreached worldwide. We should be intentional in fulfilling Jesus’ commission – it might mean holding a seeker’s Bible study for your neighbors or serving overseas as a missionary, and it should always involve praying and giving for the work of missions. We should seek God’s specific guidance for what we can individually do to follow His plan.
Our sanctification is a second intrinsic part of God’s plan for all believers.
Sanctification means the process of becoming holy – or set apart for God. It includes sexual purity and a transformation of our minds so that we reject the world’s standards for God’s standards.
We all have those times in our lives when we don’t understand God’s plan. We may be at a crossroads and need to make a crucial decision, or circumstances may be hitting us, and we don’t know what’s going on.
Some people just want to open their Bible and have God’s specific plan jump out at them. And yes, part of our plan is found in God’s Word, and God wants us to be pursuing that with all diligence – loving God and loving others, taking His Gospel to the unreached, walking in obedience to His commands, and so on. It’s unlikely that God will reveal His specific blueprint for your life if you aren’t following His general will revealed in His Word because they are tightly bound together.
But while God’s general plan for you and me and all believers is the same, the specifics differ from person to person. God has gifted us with different spiritual gifts. The endpoint is the same – to build up the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12) But each of us is going to do that uniquely. God also gave each of us unique personalities and natural abilities. And we all come from divergent backgrounds with different experiences that give each of us a diverse knowledge base. Therefore, having a good understanding of your spiritual gifts, natural abilities, education, experience, and skill set – considering all these factors can help you understand God’s plan for your career and ministry in the church.
Prayer is crucial for understanding God’s plan. If you are perplexed about your next step, entrust it to God in prayer. You’ll be surprised at how praying to God about your situation will make a difference. Be tender and listen to the Holy Spirit’s soft voice guiding you. It’s especially likely to happen when you are praying.
Seek godly counsel! It helps to have a Spirit-filled person with whom to discuss your situation. It might be your pastor or a firm believer at church, or it might be a family member or friend. God often will speak to you through another person who is wise, tender to the Holy Spirit, and can help you consider your options.
We can understand God’s plan and trust it through being familiar with God’s Word. The Bible won’t give you all the specifics, but if you know the Bible well and how God worked through different people and circumstances, you can gain insight into your own situation, strengthening your faith.
Sometimes, we’re afraid to “let go and let God” because we worry it might end up in disaster. Occasionally, we don’t even bring God into the picture at all – we just make our own plans without consulting Him. God’s Word warns against doing this.
God created you with a destiny. He equipped you with everything you need to accomplish His plan for your life. If you feel like you lack the wisdom to know what to do, ask our generous God – He wants you to ask! He rejoices when you seek His guidance. God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect. (Romans 12:2) As you submit to God and allow Him to transform your mind, you will fulfill the plan He has for you.
Have a blessed Thursday
Louis Steyn MC
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
