What should I do when facing overwhelming challenges? Pharaoh said to Joseph, ``I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it. I know God has a plan for my life and I look forward to what's next. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. God didnt give us specifics on what that looks like for each of us. It isnt always so important what we do, butwhyandhowwe do it. It is for the people of God to have fellowship and eternal life with Him. God's plan for you is the same; it is to prosper and grow spiritually in Christ. For example, if you are very short and only weigh 125 pounds, God probably hasnt destined you to become a star professional basketball player. Jeremiah 29:11 touches upon two powerful desires of the human mind and heart: 1. If I want to do His will, shouldnt it be easier to see Gods plan for me? This is first in Gods plan for your life. When we do what He says, we glorify Him. We want reassurance that God has a plan and purpose for human life. 2. He was a healthy normal baby until he was seven months old, when he started getting very bad seizures. He even did that for the Apostle Paul and his enterouge in Acts. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affliliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. Heres 3 specific things you can know about Gods plan for me. Does God have our lives mapped out? But what if there isnt one? Which leads us to the last part of Gods plan. When we have the choice between good options concerning careers, jobs, places to live, and the like, we can decide confidently knowing that God wants our holiness regardless of our context. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ" ( 2 . The sovereignty of God reminds us that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God is still in control and can bring good out of every situation. 119:32, NIV). In the Bible a specific calling is an exception, not the rule. and, ``A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. When faced with overwhelming challenges, turn to God and seek His guidance. Sometimes, we must step forward with both confidence and uncertainty. Perhaps the best-known and most comforting Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11 is known to bring peace to many people who feel unsure about the future. So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. This journey and the challenges that we meet up as special-needs parents, its not for the faint of heart. When asked what the greatest commandment was Jesus said it was to love God and love your neighbor. I can rest safely in His hand the rest of my life, no matter what happens. Trying to be more like Jesus each day. When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end. You pray to God and ask for help but there are often no prophetic dreams, visions or strong feelings leading you one way or another. God, give me strength and wisdom to humble myself and do it better next time. So next time I put to practice what Gods voice told me, and do it better I'm becoming more like my Master day by day. God often clearly demonstrates His plan for our lives by lining up circumstances in obvious ways. Im free to live my life as I feel best honors God. He calls it good. Stay quiet and meditate in these moments so you can really hear God. It influences our choices and decisions, shapes our relationships, gives us hope in times of trials, and provides for our daily needs. Isaiah 46:10-11 summarizes what God wants us to know about His plans: "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isnt that a hopeful gospel? It can seem like God isnt answering you at all. Righteous living stands out in stark contrast to lifestyles of the world around us. We are told to pick up our cross and die to our desires in order to follow Jesus. The best life, the most fulfilling life, is found when we live in Gods plan for your life. Continue to study and pray, keeping an eye open for any insight from Gods Word and the Holy Spirit. ``I saw also in my dream, and behold, seven ears, full and good, came up on a single stalk; and lo, seven ears, withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them; and the thin ears swallowed the seven good ears. Daniel Hess is a sailor by trade, a Southerner by birth, and a saint by his grace. Sign-up for our Daily Devotions Email to have it delivered to your inbox each morning. This might be the hardest part for anyone who is worried about their future. In fact, we should pray that God blesses us and his people. Life seemed wide open. How does the sovereignty of God impact my everyday life? ( Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13) God's plan is that every person would come to know Him and walk with Him. We will start by looking at a common question. We forget that hes sovereign over us. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV While this verse is often quoted, people don't know the context in which it was written. The Scriptures reveal that when God designed a plan for life, he used careful and loving advanced planning. Salem Media Group. if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. "That is just heartbreaking to think about and I just want to make an appeal to whomever might read this article, if youre in government, we need something for our children and for the adults who live with autism, for when caregivers arent around and arent able to see about them. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.. We expect him to spell out everything. and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. 100 Bible Verses about Gods Plan For Our Lives Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Youre now subscribed to the In Touch daily devotions email! This in-depth 6 week Bible study will help you see the church as Christ sees her - a shining Bride preparing for her beloved Bridegroom. While we might not have a specific plan, God does have a general plan for all of us. Romans 12:1-2 -1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. What Is Biblical Discipline, and How Can We Grow This Virtue? Where we are supposed to live. He who seeks will find. Instead of seeking Gods Will, what we really want to say to God is here is what Im planning to do God, do you approve? This is not an effective way to finding His true desires. And He also uses open doors at times to show us what He DOES want us to do. Local Confirmation. Is it acceptable? 6. ", Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, ``It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.". God has created you for a specific roll in the world that no one else can achieve. The more you involve yourself with a community of believers, the greater your chances will be of finding godly men and women who can help you discern Gods will. John 10:27 -My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. As the Spirits fruit is produced in us, we display Christs likeness in our attitudes and responses to people and situations. Thats why God can now show you how you could have done it better, where you should have given up your own will. Gods plan is that he may be most glorified in us through us being satisfied in him. There is no time to waste by giving half of your life to the devil. Brandon is a teenager and he isn't potty-trained as yet. He who has power over heaven and earth can of course turn everything around so it works together for good. Sometimes God delays His clear-cut answers to cultivate our trust in Him alone and not on our own wisdom. Which college should I go to? Romans 8:28 ESV / 27 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful His plan for you will always be directly related to the gifts that He has bestowed upon you. Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. Following God's Plan for Your Life: 1. God does have a wonderful plan for your life. And it is indeed a wonderful plan while we merited eternal punishment, God satisfied that payment through his Son. But God doesnt necessarily work that way. We can know with all certainty many aspects of God's plan because they are revealed in His Word. Then God couldnt carry out His plan with me. "I want the best for my son. God uses the warning passages of Scripture to stimulate us to fight for faith. 2 days of 'and the lord changed my name' [i have a new name] - day 1 || nsppd || 22nd june 2023 By connecting with God, trusting in Him completely, and surrendering yourself to Him He will begin to reveal the path He has for you. Gods desire for you, and everyone, is to be reunited again. You must seek to know Him and not just seek to know about Him. The church is designed to help you greatly with this. There is always more to learn about the goodness of our Creator. For day and night, heavens and earth, land and sea, sun and moon, birds and fish, animals and humans, He has always had a plan. Made with in California 2023. If you are giving each area of your life to God, then He will bless it and be able to work through it abundantly. And many have prayed about these things and which direction they should go and received no strong feelings either way. Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. Thats the central message of the Bible. How can I show love and forgiveness in difficult relationships? You must seek God with a genuine desire to truly know Him and what He can do for you, not for selfish desires. Psalm 32:8 assures us, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Trusting in His guidance allows us to navigate through lifes challenges with wisdom and assurance. It can be difficult to see Gods plan and know which road to take. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. As well as the knowledge to apply that guidance when they need it. Getting Brandon into a school; getting the right clothes for him; dealing with his meltdowns; his seizures, as he is epileptic as well it has been a challenging road. 8. In conclusion, the sovereignty of God has a profound impact on our everyday lives. Yes! And so you must cultivate your relationship with God. ``When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside.". God knew Jeremiah before he was born. 6. As a Christian of course you want to make decisions according to Gods will. If I am sure I will serve God with all my heart then thats what matters to God. And just four verses into His Word, we see that He likes His plan. You see, I used to do all the talking when I prayed to God. I mean, could there be a more pressing subject? Gods wonderful plan for our life is that we repent, believe in him, and fight sin through his power. Gods purpose for you is to not keep your faith to yourself, but to take it to those around you. Ashley Brewer (@ESPNAshley) June 30, 2023 Van Gundy, 61, was ESPN's top NBA analyst and spent 16 years calling games . ", He named the second Ephraim, ``For," he said, ``God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.". Through experiences like this, He has shown me many times with great clarity what His will is for my life. Ultimately, it is good because it is God's plan. Gods plan for your life is that you would use your gifts, passions, and skills to show His love to those around you. Finding contentment in financial struggles is possible when we acknowledge Gods sovereignty and prioritize our trust in Him over our material possessions. The Apostle Peter gives us this admonition: 1 Peter 4:10 -As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. He seems to have a specific calling on his life to carry out a specific purpose. So, unless a donkey has spoken, you were a virgin and got pregnant (good luck getting anyone to believe you), or God specifically talked to you, God probably doesnt have a specific plan for you. I get to use the skills and passions Hes given me to the benefit of those around me. God has given each person a unique set of skills and passions. Should I move here or there? The list goes on and on and as the questions grow bigger and more life-changing, shouldnt Gods answers and plan for our livesbe clearer and clearer as well? It's suddenly become as real as the worn schoolbooks I will soon be packing up. Then Joseph answered and said, ``This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days; within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head from you and will hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat your flesh off you.". 1. When I see things in this way it just simplifies everything remarkably. And He also shows us what His will is NOT for us to do in that same way. God does not depend on my education or abilities to be able to use me; He looks at my attitude. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. It is this that is Gods will for usand His plan for our lives: that weto learn humility, that welearn how to live as a disciple. I wanted more than anything to follow His plan. And when you seek His will earnestly, you will find it! Sometimes God is waiting on us to catch up to His desires for us by letting go of what we think we want. He does the same in reverse, helping us understand what His Will isnt for us by making it obvious that some things were not meant to be. Then He has promised that we will find it. So paint, dont wait, paint. (Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13), Gods plan is that every person would come to know Him and walk with Him. We can't even begin to comprehend the awesome majesty and power of ourLord. Proverbs 3:5-6 -5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Absolutely. 5. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Im a father of one son, and as a father you have certain hopes and dreams for your child to go to school, to do extra-curricular activities. Be in prayer. Now that weve looked at a broad overview of what the Bible says, lets get into the weeds a bit. And he set him over all the land of Egypt. We are both physical and spiritual beings. But now I suddenly realized it was time for me to make some big decisions. Instead, you have to actively listen for Him, watch out for signs and look for cues. With our character. Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Many times we think we know what we want in life and where we are supposed to be going. But for the believer, that plan is salvation from his wrath that we justly deserve. Even Jesus walked this earth with people around Him. The disciples on the other hand certainly have a calling, but its not really that specific. God's plan is not about depriving us of good things. The sovereignty of God refers to His supreme power and authority over all creation. Today were going to focus on three ways we glorify God. Because Hes left part of this plan up to His people. Finding hope in times of trials is possible because of Gods sovereignty. Often situations seem complicated and difficult, but then I remind myself of this promise from God, that all things work together for good to those who love God. When I have this attitude God can show me what His will is in all of lifes situations and by doing it I become blessed and get a hold of an eternal life. He had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, ``Bow the knee!" His overall goal for each of us is that we would bring Him glory, and He uses both His Spirit and Word to accomplish this. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Even when relationships might be challenging or uncertain, we can trust that God is in control and will work things out according to His will. Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Proverbs 16:9. Surrender yourself to Him fully. You are in a unique spot to make an impact on someone in a way that no one else can. The Sovereignty of God in Daily Provision and Provision. Really no matter your age this is something that almost all Christians struggle with. Have you ever wondered, What is Gods plan for me?. Interestingly, now that Im old (currently 47 years old), I still wrestle with doing His will in my life. Paul states it in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, For this is the will of God your holiness.. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. A disciple is not one that knows everything and can do everything perfectly the first time. Whatever the outcome, when looking back, you may find that what you did was actually tainted with a bit of self-seeking, some demands on the others and so on. While you say you are a follower of God, do you really trust your life with Him? ``Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. But what happens when you just dont know which way God wants you to go? Used by permission. We dont like this one as much. Practically, the way I go about this is to bring a notepad with me when I sit down to pray. As you get older, you begin to have more and more people ask you questions like what do you want to do with your life? and what are your long-term goals? These questions can cause a great deal of anxiety if you arent quite sure that the future holds for you. God is very good at opening new doors when old ones close. like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. Godliness shines like a light pointing others to Christ and bringing glory to the Father. (NKJV). How can I discern Gods will for my life? We can trust that Gods plans for us are good and that He will work all things together for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). So, go. However, recognizing that God is sovereign can help us extend grace and forgiveness to those who have hurt us. Do you want wisdom for what God has planned in your life? - Courtesy - Mickel Marjadsingh. That book completely changed the way I approached God through prayer. What happens when you just dont know which way God wants you to go? His power to change and fix things is far beyond our understanding. God will likely be slow to show you His plan if He knows you will likely not do that plan anyway. I wont get into that in this blog post, but if you want to read more about Jeremiah 29:11 you can read my post about it here: What We Get Wrong About Jeremiah 29:11. Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. Take time each day to devote yourself to the Lord and the plans He has for your life. Its up to each of us to figure out what they are and use them, not for our benefit but for the benefit of those around us. I believe that Brandon was sent to me for a purpose. Many Christians struggle with this because we almost expect a loud voice from heaven when we talk to God, complete with trumpets and a burst of sunlight. What does the Bible say about God's leading? "To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Fatherto Him be glory and power for ever and ever! He wont always scream out the answer loudly for you to hear. 7. Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh. ActiveChristianity Have you ever wondered, "What is God's plan for me?" As a Christian of course you want to make decisions according to God's will. Progress to a level of great faith so your life can take on a stronger purpose. Being patient isnt an easy task. ``Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us. In my thoughts I visit every one of them, and I read a lot about the different directions I could choose to go. (Matthew 28:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20), Gods plan is you would be conformed to His image and likeness. Copyright 2023 In Touch Ministries. There is always more to learn about the goodness of ourCreator. And he uses that fight to keep us safe until the end. Think of Mary and Joseph. Did you know our responses to trials can affect the blessings God has in store for us? So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ``Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. Then it came about after these things, the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. Under this teaching, God's individual will for us is often described as a road map, or a blueprint. This realization is tremendously freeing. Nothing can happen without God ordaining it. For starters, if you are interested in knowing God's will and plan for your life, then you must learn to walk with God. If you choose to surround yourself with godly advisors, they will be instrumental in helping you discern Gods plan for your life. And always love those around you. Maybe, but probably not. I was convinced that God had a plan for me, and I wanted so much to make the right choice and to fulfill God's plan for me. Paul encouraged us to "only let us live up to what we have already attained" (Philippians 3:16). However God is trying to tell you that He is with you and He wants to help guide you. Gods wonderful plan for our life is that we continually surrender the evil desires of our flesh and conform more to his image. (John 3:3-7, Matthew 16:24-26). God's Perfect Plan for Your Life February 27, 2013 by John Greco Is it possible that what we're really after is not God's will at all, but only His good gifts? Absolutely! Jesus was willing to die for us, so shouldnt we be willing to live for Him? Always show up with and for your children. What does the Bible say about knowing Gods will? ``You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you. When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, ``I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head; and in the top basket there were some of all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.". He asked Pharaoh's officials who were with him in confinement in his master's house, ``Why are your faces so sad today? Then Joseph said to him, ``This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; within three more days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office; and you will put Pharaoh's cup into his hand according to your former custom when you were his cupbearer. 8 Steps to Knowing Gods Will For Your Life, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. ``It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do. "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." Trusting God in our relationships means recognizing that He has a plan for our interactions with others. Go back and fix things, ask for forgiveness, set things right. Father. God knows your heart, but asking Him point blank will aid in starting the process. "The question has finally hit me with all its strength. And that is because He shapes my wanter to want to do the things for which He has actually created me. The Shocking Meaning Of Mark 11:24 (whatever you ask for in prayer), Faith Without Works Is Dead (the surprising James 2:26 meaning), Tithing In The New Testament (what the Bible REALLY says), God knew you before you were born. Husband. Tell it to me, please.". Remember that God will never tell you to do something that is against His righteous character or contradictory to His Word. It is essential that you be part of a local church. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. I have to try and put my best foot forward and execute my duties as best as I can. 7 Short but Mighty Lessons from the Book of James, When it Comes to Miracles, God Does it His Way. I have a confession to make: There have been times when I have lived like Indiana Jones. Yes, God has a plan for each and every one of us. What car we are supposed to buy Etc. Its important to pay attention to how God has wired you. There are always opportunities to be transformed and renewed wherever you are.