Making plans takes up a sizeable portion of our time, doesn’t it? We make plans to travel, attend shows, outline ministry goals, take family vacations, outline career strategies, eat right, exercise more often, stick to a financial budget, engage in more family activities, set aside prayer time, and spend daily time in God’s Word - just to name a few. Whew!Careful planning proves necessary in achieving long-term goals. However, if our plans don’t line up with God's, an arduous journey awaits. God created the “big picture” and knows the plans He has for us. So how do we discern what they are? Scripture oftentimes doesn’t refer to our individual situations, but let’s look at three specific things that guide us:
1. God’s Word.
The Bible provides insight into the overall way God relates with us. Regular study of Scripture proves vital because that knowledge equips us to more accurately discern His direction for us. Jesus tells us in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." As we learn more about God’s character and teaching from His Word, the closer He draws us to Him, resulting in our path coming into sharper focus.
2. Input from trusted Christians.
Our independence can be a sizeable stumbling block. For nearly every decision we face, someone else has faced a similar one. When God called me to this Bible teaching/writing ministry, I sought the wise counsel of trusted Christian friends who were already serving in full-time ministry. Not only did they confirm that calling/equipping in my life, but also provided much needed wisdom about reasonable expectations, time management, and trusted Biblical research avenues.
Listening carefully to wise counsel and breaking the habit of independence opens us to God’s leading and removes fear. The apostles demonstrated this discipline as they figured out ways to serve meals to the needy in the growing church (Acts 6:1-4).
3. How God wired us.
God wired each of us with certain talents and gifts (Ps. 139:14, Eph. 2:10). Excelling in certain areas indicates that God has designed you uniquely with a purpose toward that area.
When I first began attending church, I wanted to serve in a ministry. Since I had been raised in a musical family, played flute, and had a great love for music, I decided to join the choir. Although the only singing I had ever done was singing along with the radio, I took the leap and joined the worship team. God took what I thought would be just an avenue to serve Him and turned into an amazing ministry that I never could have fully imagined.
The way God has gifted us provides a path to realizing God’s unique plan for us. Do you know how God has wired you? I suggest taking a minute to list your gifts and talents. How are you currently using them for His glory?
Discerning God’s plans for our life requires diligence and focus. Ask God to open your eyes and ears to His leading. The result is a fulfilling, fruitful spiritual walk that makes a kingdom difference.
