Are You Afraid of Missing God’s Plan for Your Life?
I walk the country road at dusk—twilight folding over the path behind me like a parted sea falling back into place. I’ve been thinking about staying in step with God’s plans lately, and my heart feels bogged down by worries that I might somehow botch his plan. I wonder if you can relate. I wonder if you’ve ever felt fearful that you just might miss God’s plan for your life.
You probably know how it feels to be desperate to hear from God about something important to you. You fasted and prayed and scoured your Bible in search of direction. All the while, you wondered if you might be heading down the wrong path.
I can relate.
I’ve also learned that when I make decisions with a pure heart, I can trust that God won’t let me miss his plan for my life. He is fully capable of redirecting my footsteps and putting me on the right path.
Are you searching for God’s plan for your life in an area that matters deeply to you? Here are a few steps you can take to follow his lead. Meanwhile, trust that God is big enough to put you back on the right path if you take a misstep.
Finding God’s Plan for Your Life
The most trustworthy place to hear God’s voice is directly from his written Word. The more you hide his Word in your heart, the more you will align your mind with his mind, which will also enable you to follow his direction when you need to make important decisions.
I’ve learned to employ four simple steps to help discern God’s direction:
First, I directly ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 tells us to ask for wisdom, and God will give it to us.
Second, I ask whether my decision aligns with Scripture. God will never lead us down paths that do not align with his character and his teaching in the Bible.
Third, I ask which decision aligns with common sense. God gave us the ability to reason and use common sense to guide us.
Lastly, I discuss the decision with a more mature believer. The advice of wise counselors is invaluable when it comes to making important decisions.
You Can Rest in God’s Guidance
Some of us are terrified of making the wrong decision. As an 18-year-old, I decided to become a teacher and prayed I wasn’t missing God’s calling on my life. Looking back, I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self that God is big enough to direct us straight into the center of his perfect will for our lives.
You might be feeling stressed as you try to make an important decision. The pressure to set the course for the next phase of your life might feel overwhelming. You’re afraid of making the wrong decision and missing God’s plan.
I have good news for you today. God isn’t asking you to become a perfect decision-maker. He is simply asking you to make the best decisions you can make and trust him with the outcomes. Keep pursuing a deeper relationship with him, and he will guide you. He is also fully capable of redirecting any missteps you might make along the way.
God isn’t asking you to become a perfect decision-maker. He is simply asking you to make the best decisions you can make and trust him with the outcomes. #Godlydecisions Click To Tweet
Your Invitation to Pursue God’s Plan for Your Life:
Take a moment to consider a decision you are currently trying to make. Talk to God about this decision. Ask him to give you a deep sense of “knowing” which decision aligns with his best plan for you.
In a journal, reflect on each of the following four insights as you discern God’s direction:
1. Begin by asking God for wisdom. Which decision seems wise?
2. Consider which decision most closely aligns with Scripture. Make a list of any applicable verses.
3. Ask for common sense. Which decision is supported by common sense and the overall well-being of the people involved?
4. Lastly, seek out a more mature believer. Make a phone call, send an email, or meet for lunch. Ask for input, and consider this wisdom as you make the best decision you can make.
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As I finish my walk beneath dusky skies, I breathe deeply and let the tension out. I decide to make the best decision I can make and close the door of my wandering thoughts. Immediately, peace shrouds me with the falling darkness, and I trust the One who guides me.
A Free Devotional to Help You Uncover God’s Plan for Your Life by Seeking Him Daily:
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