God’s plan for our lives by Gerald Van Horn
Acts 9:6 “lord what wilt thou have me to do?”
These words were uttered by Saul of Tarsus. Later he becomes Paul the Apostle. He is our guide in our search for the will of God for our life. This truth is is exemplified in the life of Paul. God has a plan for every one of His children. Just as blue prints are used in building a building, God has given us a plan for our lives. Saul’s meeting Jesus was not a casual thing. It was part of a divine plan.
1. God has a plan for our lives.
* You can expect it. God is the Master architect. He does not want to leave anything to chance. If we seek Him in all sincerity He will reveal a blueprint for our lives. All of creation is designed by a God of order. He has not left out a designed order for His highest creation. Man needs this order for his own happiness.
* God’s plan for our lives is according to experience. Check it out. There are several good examples. I will mention only a few: There is Abraham in Hebrews 11:8-12. There is Moses in Hebrews 11:24-27. There is David in I Chronicles 17:7. Also Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8.
God’s plan for our lives is declared in His Word.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Psalms 27: 11 “Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path.”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.”
James 1:5 “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.”
If we believe His Word then we must believe that He has a plan for us.
2. God has a plan for our lives. It has three important characteristics.
These facts are stated very clearly:
* God has a customized plan for our lives. Everyone of God’s children are unique. He has a plan just for you. “Wait just a minute” you might say “you
mean to tell me that God is concerned about little ole me?’ The answer is “yes.”
* God has a plan for us that is good ,acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God; that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
* God’s plan for our lives is a practical one. God will never ask us to do anything that you are not capable to perform. He will give you the strength and wisdom to fulfill it.
3. God’s plan for our lives is worthy to discover.
Many Christians fail to discover God’s plan for their lives. They live in frustration, defeat and failure. It is important that we discover our own individual plan for our lives. Once you do discover it there will be a peace and comfort in your life. If we
plan our lives on our own we are headed for disaster. The Apostle Paul’s quick response to finding God’s will ushered him into a life of total satisfaction.
4. God’s plan for your life begins when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
When the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to Paul saying, “I am Jesus...” the Saviour. God’s purpose for Paul was an eternal one. It is true that Paul’s purpose for life began only after he bowed at the feet of the Crucified and Risen Lord. Paul constantly affirms this throughout his writings.
5. God’s plan for your life means that you will obey Him and do His will.
Right now the Lord has a plan for our lives right in front of Him. He will reveal it step by step. Psalms 37: 23. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And he delighteth in his way.” The Lord desires complete submission. We must de-
light in the Lord and desire to obey Him.
Discovering God’s will involves four things:
* In prayer. A regular time of communion with God will unfold a step by step plan for your life.
* In searching God’s Word. How wonderful to have access to God’s Word. It is the safest way to find a plan for our lives.
* Total surrender. God is looking for those who are willing and available.
* Complete faith. We are to live by faith and not by sight. Paul had to endure many things but he was always assured that God was with him even while being tested.
6. God’s plan for our lives is an eternal one.
It’s exciting when we learn that God has a plan for everyone no matter what our age is. Unlike man, who change their minds about almost everything, God does not. God’s plan for us is earthly and heavenly. The earthly part is the foundation for the building and the heavenly is the main structure. What a glorious Lord we serve who is concerned about every part of our lives. Lord, we praise you for You are worthy.
