IS IT ENOUGH? We were talking about God’s plan and purpose one day at Bible study. And it appears to me that “God’s plan” and the Scripture, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer 29:11) has become some sort of talisman in Christianity of “I’m going to do big and great things! I’m going to be rich and famous! I’m going to be known!”
Perhaps you should read ALL of Scripture. In the previous verse, God tells Israel they are going into 70 years of bondage. Many of those people who were hearing Jeremiah’s prophetic word would die before they even received this promise and returned to their land. God’s promise here was to His people (not a person) as a whole and only certain people would be alive to receive the promise.
Paul writes to the church in Rome and tells us God’s plan and purpose for our life. Are you paying attention? God’s purpose for us in not in a calling, or gifting, neither is it in a work to do or a job we have. God’s purpose is not that you would be a teacher, firefighter, doctor, lawyer, preacher or sports star. You may have gifts that lead you into these fields, but this is not your purpose. Scripture proclaims that whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might and to the glory of the Lord. However, God’s plan and purpose is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ by whatever means necessary.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
Romans 8:28-30 NKJV
God is conforming us more and more into the image of Jesus through trials and tribulations. His plan is for us to die to our old self and become a new creation in Jesus. What if “God’s plan” is for you to just live safe and secure as His child? What if His plan is for you to get rooted in a church and love and serve the brethren? What if His plan is for you to be a godly wife and mother? Or a godly man who provides for his family and leads them to serve the Lord? What if you are never known or have worldly success and are only known by Him? What if His plan is only for Him to provide, secure, love, and cherish you?
What if His plan is just to adopt you as His own and see you through this world until you are translated into His kingdom? What if His plan is only that you are known by HIM? Is it enough for you to just live as His obedient child, trusting that He knows what’s best for you? Will it be enough that you lived, testified of Jesus, died, and are forgotten by this world? Is it enough? Because if it is not enough, the first severe affliction and trial you go through will rock you to your core. But if your foundation is firmly planted on the Rock, and you allowed His purpose in molding and transforming you into an obedient son/daughter; you will not be moved.
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