Start with the End in Mind
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4
How much more exciting is life when we set goals and have a vision and understanding of the completion. For example, if we are building a house it is necessary to know what the house will look like when finished; then we understand the purpose of each step and how it contributes to the completion of the house. It is the same with the Lord; we have a goal in mind and we strive through prayer that the Lord will direct our steps. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9).
We are guided by the Lord’s plan for us, and sometimes all we see are the steps or sub-goals. Achieving a goal given to us from God is very exciting and rewarding, because through prayer we work through his power to achieve each step. Achieving each step is rewarding and through prayer we proceed to the next step. 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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you (Jeremiah 29:11-12). The Lord has plans for us and his plans bring excitement and fulfillment.
Whenever you succeed in following a plan from the Lord, he will put an even bigger plan on your heart. Spiritual growth comes from fulfilling God’s plans. He will educate you in whatever he has planned for you, but the most important thing is that he molds you to conform to the likeness of his Son. If you aren’t developing the mind and heart of Christ, then all the education in the world will be useless to you. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5). It’s Christ in us that guides us to fulfill his plan and helps us to see the end of the plan before we start – eternal life.
Today know the Lord has a plan for your life, and seek to understand each step of the plan. If you don’t know the current plan, pray that the Lord will reveal his plan to you. His plan will always include making you more Christ-like and helping you to point people to Christ. If he doesn’t reveal a plan for you then think deeply what you can do to bring people into the Kingdom. If you have an idea, pray for guidance and step out on faith.
Let’s Pray: Lord, guide me in your plan and help me to understand each step in the plan. Motivate my heart to seek lost souls and to point them toward the Kingdom, because I know that is the foundation your plan and it will make me more Christ-like. Fill my heart with your love so that I can fulfill every step you have placed in my life, and to see eternal life as the end of your plan. In Jesus name, Amen.