Do you sometimes feel like other people have a quiet confidence about having their life plan all figured out? Many people are doing big and wonderful things. Some bounce from one achievement to the next. Goals crushed. It is fair to wonder: How do I fit in to all of this? Shouldn’t I have God’s plan for my life clarified by now? At least a rough draft version?

I remember way back to my youth group days. A speaker named Ken Davis was discussing this topic. His message was on finding God’s will for our lives. He gave a great illustration:

“Do you ever wonder what God’s will is for your life? Have you ever thought this way before? It’s like God has the plan for your life written out on a piece of paper. That paper is in a sealed envelope. Our job is to go through life figuring out what is on that piece of paper without actually ever opening the envelope. Good luck!”

Fortunately Mr. Davis went on to explain how God has a general will for everyone (he used Romans 12:1 -2 for his point). Then, he elaborated on how God works with us individually day by day, and even sometimes moment by moment. It isn’t a quick fix or instant download. Here is another perspective I recently heard from The Wild at Heart Podcast:

“God never gives anyone the plan for their life. Not the 10 year plan. Not even the 1 year plan. And you’re not the exception. That’s actually the kindness of God.

If he gave you the plan, you’d go do it without him. The uncertainty isn’t punishment. It’s the thing that keeps you in intimacy with God.

The kingdom of God is a forest, not a front yard where everything is neat, cut, and in its place. The uncertainty, the changing terrain, the unknown, that’s not God abandoning you. That’s God keeping you close.“

Profound. Forest vs. Perfectly Trimmed Yard. Mic drop. However, living this way comes as a great challenge. It seems as though everything in this world is screaming: Be independent, have it all figured out, unending accomplishment is the norm, God is extremely busy, and where’s the plan???

Here are some applicable Bible verses to think about and keep coming back to whenever those untrue thoughts continue to bombard us:

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life WAS recorded in your book. Every moment WAS laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139: 13 – 16)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He WILL direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I cry out to God Most High, to God who WILL fulfill his purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalm 57: 2 – 3)

Conclusion . . . These verses speak for themselves. Let’s go live it – one moment at a time.

Blessings,

Dave 🙂