Discovering the Will of God
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.
Jeremiah 29:11
The Lord has a unique plan for our lives, but are we searching for that plan? Many people tell me that they are waiting for God to reveal His plan for their lives. How do we know we are living God’s plan for our lives? If we follow the Spirit, do you think God will lead us to His divine plan?
Joseph, the eleventh and favorite son of Jacob, was sold by his brothers into slavery at the age of seventeen. He was a slave in Egypt and was falsely accused and put in prison. He was enslaved and a prisoner for a total of thirteen years. Do you think he ever wondered what God’s plan was for his life? Joseph continued to walk with the Lord and he was successful in everything he did. As a slave, everything in the owner’s house and field prospered greatly, and Joseph was put in charge. Likewise, in prison he was put in charge, working for the warden. Since Joseph continued to serve the Lord, he was made second in command in Egypt at the age of thirty when he interpreted a dream for Pharaoh. He saved both Egypt and his father’s family from the great famine, and eventually brought Jacob’s family to Egypt to live in the best land. Joseph remained second in command of Egypt until his death. The story of Joseph is found in the final chapters of Genesis.
Joseph’s story is our story in regards to the Lord’s plan for our lives. We continue each day serving the Lord, seeking for opportunities to minister to others. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:22) This verse describes what Joseph did and what we, likewise, should do. If we continue to serve the Lord, and we are motivated and keep searching for doors that God opens, then as we mature in Christ, God will reveal the ministry he has planned for us.
We will know we are living God’s plan, because it will be fulfilling, exciting, and challenging. His plan will fit our personalities, having been created for us by his divine plan. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) God’s plan in our lives give life to the full. It consumes our lives and continually drives us closer to the Lord, through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.
Today, do everything with all your heart because you are doing it for the Lord. Seek to go through doors of ministry that has been put on your heart, and pray for God’s approval and direction. God is pleased with people who are motivated to serve him and are proactive in seeking ministry. However, we take this desire to God in prayer and with His approval, the Spirit guides us while our motivation gets stronger.
Let’s Pray: Lord, mature me in Christ, as you matured Joseph. Prepare me for the divine plan you have for me and let me continue serving according to your plan. Thank you for creating me to serve, and for the divine plan you created just for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.