God's Plan for You
by Pastor Bill Pevlor

     I’ve spent a good deal of my efforts as a teacher of the Bible trying to help people understand that God has a plan for their lives. I don’t just mean a generic plan for humanity, as a whole. I mean an individual plan for each individual’s life. One scripture that clearly points this out is Ephesians 2:10. It says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” In this scripture the phrase “which God prepared in advance for us to do” reveals that our being wasn’t by mere happenstance. Before our creation (in advance), God had a plan for our existence in mind. Additionally, by saying we are God’s “workmanship,” this scripture gives us insight into the willful and determined effort by the creator to produce a quality product; one crafted and uniquely suited for His intended purpose and plan of our existence.

     When a person reaches the realization of having been created by God for a purpose, it brings about the obvious question of “How do I know what God’s intended purpose for my life is?” Discerning God’s will for your life is, I’ve found, a life-long journey of discovery. One of the first steps is to simply ask God. The prophet Amos tells us that the Lord who forms the mountains and creates the wind reveals His thoughts to man (Amos 4:13). Daniel echoes Amos’ thoughts when he writes, “He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:22)

     Serious prayer can greatly help you in discerning God’s will for your life because consistent prayer increases you level of intimacy with the Lord. It is important to understand, when I use the word “prayer” I’m not referring to a habitual recitation of some memorized religious script. I’m referring to a personal, intimate conversation with God. If you really want to get to know someone, you’ll spend time talking with them. It’s the same way with God. Talking with God builds intimacy with Him. At first the “conversation” seems a little awkward and one-sided, but as time goes on, as intimacy builds, you’ll begin to hear His response that comes as “a gentle whisper,” as it’s spoken of in 1 Kings 19:12.

     Serious Bible study is crucial to discerning God’s will. The better you know God’s Word the easier it is to recognize His voice and whether your life and goals model His intentions. Psalm 119:5 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” The Word of God brings illumination to our lives. As we endeavor to walk in the plan and purpose we were created for, nothing brings clearer direction and enlightenment than the scriptures.

     Circumstances and opportunities can often give us hints about God’s plan for our lives. The Bible says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) God has a way of orchestrating events in our lives that bring us into line with His will and purpose for us. Through an awareness of God working on our behalf, prayer and Bible study you will begin to see how your God-given talents and abilities, along with your strengths and weaknesses, line up with life’s circumstances to present opportunities that are clearly a part of God’s will and destiny for you. However, let me caution you. Circumstances and opportunities are not sufficient evidence of God’s will for your life. Every thing must line up with His Word and be confirmed by prayer. Given that precaution, recognizing God-given opportunities can be a great indicator of God’s plan for your life.

     Ask yourself these questions as you work to recognize God’s will for your life. First, and foremost, “Is it biblical?” God will never ask you to do something contrary to His Word. Don’t allow Satan to fool you. If you have any questions in your mind, there are probably good reasons for them. Study Bible passages relating to your question, consult your pastor and pray continually for guidance until those questions are sufficiently resolved. 

     Ask, “Does this ‘plan’ fall within my gifted areas?” God will use the gifts He has given you. Determine what your spiritual gifts are and then look for ways to develop and share them with others.

     Ask, “Is God giving me an opportunity?” God has a way of placing you where He wants you. If you have to force you way to be in situations you want, chances are good that it is not God’s will for you.

    Ask, “Is it the right time?” Often times, when we get a sense of God’s purpose for our lives, we grow impatient; wanting to see it immediately fulfilled. We can easily jump ahead of God’s plan in our zeal to fulfill it. If you have five school age children, an enormous amount of debt and a sickly spouse, now may not be the right time to become a foreign missionary or start a new business venture. 

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