[This post is the first in a series exploring God's plan.]
What are your plans for the New Year? Why not get in on the plan God has for your life?
In the next few weeks, with God’s help, you will learn the timeless truths and perfect principles that are necessary to have a full and meaningful life. In other words, what you will learn, if put into practice, will guarantee everything in your life will work out for good and the life you live will be full and meaningful.
“That’s a pretty big claim,” you say.
You are right and I don’t make it lightly.
I don’t base what I am saying on opinion or hearsay. I don’t have time for man-made religious or philosophical musings and neither do you.
You will find everything here is based on the whole counsel of God revealed in the Book that research has shown to be the most accurate ancient manuscript in existence and supported by archaeology, history, prophecy, and eyewitness testimony.
You can change your future and the future of others by giving up your plans and following God’s.
Are you still not convinced? Let me ask you a few questions:
What will be different about you and your life a year from now? If you reached all your goals, would it satisfy you? If so, for how long?
When we come up with our plans, no matter how well thought out, the best we can expect is limited. But when we base our plans on God and His plan, we may be certain the best we can expect will truly be the best.
So, why is it that we refuse to follow God’s plan?
Maybe it is the same reason that men refuse to ask for directions. Guys, we can be too stubborn or prideful to ask for help. This is true for women as well, but men tend to ask for help far less than women.[1]
Maybe we do not want to appear weak.
Or we think our way is better.
And perhaps we know following God’s plan means we must trust Him.
How do we know God’s plan is better than ours?
God is Smarter Than Us!
This is where I can hear someone saying, “Well, duh! Of course, He is smarter than us! He’s God!”
I like what Adrian Rogers said about this:
Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurred to God?
God is all-knowing, or as the theologians say, “omniscient.” Do we honestly think we can make a better decision than God?
God Loves Us!
The Bible is full of examples of God’s love expressed to mankind, but you can settle any doubt you may have about God’s love for us by thinking about what He did for us.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16
People may truly love us and still let us down or give us bad advice. Not God.
He loves us and does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9b). He proved His love for us when Christ died for us (Ro. 5:8).
Only God’s Plan Can Save Us!
No manmade plan, religion, philosophy, ideology, sacrifice, strategy, science, or lifestyle can pay for one scintilla of a sin. Only the death and resurrection of the sinless Son of God is the perfect sacrifice acceptable to God (Heb. 4:14-16).
When we base our plans on God's plan and give Him our best, we will not regret our decisions. That doesn’t mean everything will necessarily turn out the way we want but it does ensure everything will ultimately be for the best. You see, He is smarter than us. He does know everything, and He does love us. The bottom line is God will have the final word. His purposes cannot fail.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
On this first day of knowing God, following His plan, and fulfilling His purpose there is one step to take. It is like Armstrong’s words when he stepped on the Moon,
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”[2]
When you turn to follow The Lord Jesus Christ and surrender your life to Him, it is a relatively small step, but God, who is calling you, responds to that simple act of faith by giving you mercy, grace, and forgiveness. It is a “giant leap”!
Instead of being “dead in sin” (Ro. 6:23a; Eph. 2:1), you will be given life and have the right to be called a child of God (Jn. 1:12; Jn. 10:28).
This is the first step of God’s plan for your life!
Now, as you seek and follow Him each day, you will learn more about Him and His plan.
Remember, Jesus came that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b). So, you may begin today to make plans to have a better future and live the life you were born to live.
I would love to hear where you are in your journey and help you along the way.
Will you take a few minutes to let me know how God is working in your life? I will be happy to pray for you and send you some free resources to help you grow!
Just click here!
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Get ready—God has plans for you!
Click here to read Part Two of this series: "God Has a Plan - and It is Better Than Yours!"
[1] Michael E. Addis and James R. Mahalik, "Men, Masculinity and the Context of Seeking Help," American Psychologist, January 2003.
[2] Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11 Commander on the surface of the Moon, July 20, 1969.