Gina Caswell Kelly
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12. Well, that is kind of a harsh start! But it is true. We often times try to follow our own way, and it ends in, maybe not physical death, but the death of dreams, or relationships. We don’t always know what is best for us. We can have all kinds of plans and dreams, but in the end, we need to be following God and His plan for our lives.
I talked recently about listening to God. This goes right along with that. We need to be actively pursuing His will for our lives. I have had people tell me that it is hard to know God’s will sometimes. And I will agree. Sometimes it just seems difficult to figure out what the next step might be. But, we have to continue to put our trust in God. After all, would’t the One who created us and knows our roadmap for life be the best one to trust with the future? Of course! Easier said than done. I think as you try to discern the will of God, the first step is to be sure you are spending enough time with Him and in His Word, and with His people that you can more easily recognize His call on your life.
I think also, you can begin by weeding out the things that you know are not His plan. I used to tell kiddos who were struggling to know what to do, Picture yourself in the center of the room. Now, start thinking about what there is out there that you know is not God’s will. You know He doesn’t want you using drugs. Take one step to the right. You know He dose’t want you to cheat on anything. Take another step to the right. You know He wants you to be responsible and meet the needs of those around you. Take another step to the right. Pretty soon, you find yourself a lot closer to where God wants you to be, and soon, His will for you and your life will be easier to discern.
That is simple, but it is so very helpful. Even as adults. As we search for where God wants us and what His plan is, we too can start weeding out what we know He doesn’t want for us. But, in order to know all these things, we have to have a relationship with Him and with His Son.
God created us with a plan for each one of our lives. Of this, I have no doubt. Nothing that happens in your life is a surprise to Him. He has a plan for Monday and He has a plan for Tuesday, and on and on. Each day of your life has been mapped out. Somedays we choose to follow Him and somedays we don’t. We can quickly know when we are acting outside His will.
No matter where you are today. No matter what your situation. Know this. God created you with purpose, and with love in His eyes. He smiles when He thinks about you.
Trust Him with your life. It will make a difference!