Does God really have a plan?

A few years ago, Rick Warren wrote a book that was all the rage in Christian circles. I read it, you might have as well. It was The Purpose Driven Church. I learned some valuable lessons from reading that book. He followed it with what some contend a book that should have been written first ~ The Purpose Driven Life.

I read that one, too. I learned even more valuable lessons. We were placed here for a purpose. God has a plan for each of us. There are some plans that are obvious, some are not quite so obvious. For instance, in Peter's New Testament letter that bears his name, he wrote that God was not willing that any should perish, but that all of us should come to repentance. Paraphrasing, God's plan would be that each person on earth would trust Him with their lives and believe in Him for salvation.

Other plans God may have for us are not quite so obvious. Do I go to this college or that one? Do I take this job or stay where I am? Those are not answered directly in Scripture, and since God does not choose to send e-mails or attach notes to His lightning bolts, we must make those decisions with the information that we do have that best meets the needs we are experiencing.

Not long ago, on Wednesday nights at our church, we used Andy Landers video series about Finding God's Will. Never fear, I learned a lot of lessons then, too. In fact, I just read back through the study guide to review some of the principles he shared. What a challenge to earnestly seek what God wants in our lives! One of the brightest thoughts I was reminded of is that God wants to reveal His plan to us probably more than we want to discover it!

God has no desire to make His plan some mystical, hard to find deal. He wants us to enjoy the life He has given us; living it in such a way as to build His Kingdom here on earth til He returns. Along the way, our job is really quite simple. Honor God with everything we have. Love Him supremely, and our fellowman in such a way that would show His love to them.

Be encouraged to make that your goal today. Live your life today with the intentional focus of following the plan He has outlined for you. Love God with all your heart, love your neighbor as yourself.