Big Plans
So, you want to know more about those BIG PLANS, huh? First of all, you need to know that there really is a God who created you and designed you with a specific purpose in mind. Some people never figure out what that purpose is and they automatically assume that since they haven't figured out what their purpose is, they must not have one. That would be similar to saying that the laws of thermodynamics don't exist because you don't know them or can't explain them.
If you know Jesus and are walking with Him, but you're confused about your future and what God has for you, skip down to the bottom section of this page where it says GOING DEEPER. If you don't know Jesus personally or aren't real sure about where you'd go when you die, read on.
The basic premise we find woven throughout God's heart expressed in the Bible is that He created us to know Him. Not just know about Him, but really know Him. God wants our fellowship. How cool is that? The God who has it all, has at the top of His priority list, a desire to be in intimate fellowship with you and me.
Unfortunately though, sin has separated us from that. The book of Genesis records the events that led up to the introduction of sin into the world. And as much as it stinks, that sin has been passed down from generation to generation ever since. And now we're stuck with it! Romans 3.23 says that we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That's the bad news. The good news is 2,000 years ago God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to take our place and to pay the penalty for our sin. Romans 6.23 says that the wages of sin is death. It goes on to say that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. That simply means that eternal life is available through the context of a personal relationship with the Son of God.
Jesus Himself said that He came so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. There are a lot of people out there who have life, but the quality of their life is similar to what you'd find in a stagnant pond. Stinky water, dead fish, lots of algae and disease. Jesus said He's the source of abundant life and He is the only One who has the ability to give us love, joy, peace, purpose and most importantly eternal life that the whole world is searching and longing for. He is the only One who can fill the void in our lives and make us complete. Contrary to popular opinion, money can't fill the void, sex can't do it, friends can't do it, position can't do it, power can't do it, security can't do it, alcohol can't do it and drugs can't do it. The only lasting Element that has the potential to change our lives and make us whole is Jesus Christ!
Jesus is the ONE and ONLY ingredient that makes life worth living. And when you get in on that and invite Jesus to be your Savior and Lord, your life will take on new meaning. And you'll come to realize that God really does have BIG PLANS for your life because He loves you and He created you on purpose and for a purpose. His BIG PLANS for your life are way bigger, way better and way cooler than anything you could ever imagine or dream up on your own. One of the comforting things about God is His BIG PLANS for your life are not primarily based on your abilities. They're based on your availability. You also need to know that God's heart for you is that you would have such a real and intimate relationship with Him, that you'd be willing to live out whatever His BIG PLANS are for you. And finally, in fairness you need to understand that living out God's BIG PLANS for your life will be costly. Unfortunately there's no way around that. Despite what you hear from some of those flashy, charismatic, name-it-and-claim-it TV evangelists, God does not exist to answer our every whim and grant our every wish. God is primarily concerned with having a relationship with us that is real and personal and one that brings meaning and purpose to our lives and honor and glory to His name and His renown.
If you're still tracking here and you're really serious about finding out what God has in store for you and why you may be here, keep reading. What you won't find are quick fixes and magic hoops. What you will find is a plan to help you know and understand God's heart. Because getting to know God and His heart is what life is really all about. And once you begin to understand God's heart, then (and only then) will you be able to fully understand what His BIG PLANS are for your life.
Before we keep going I need to ask you are you really serious about finding out what God's BIG PLANS are for your life? If you said yes than start by picking up a Bible and reading it daily. There are no shortcuts to getting to know God and understanding His heart. If you want to know God's heart, you have to get into His word. And you'll also need to spend quality time each day praying and talking to God. He's a big God and He can handle your honesty. So be honest with Him and tell Him what's on your mind and in your heart. And while you're learning how to be honest with God, just go ahead and ask Him. Ask Him what He created you for and why He put you here. And if you don't get an answer right away, keep asking. My guess is if you really want to know, then you won't settle for asking just once. It's also going to be important for you to find a church where you can get plugged in and involved. Find a church that loves God and loves people. Unfortunately, not all churches fit this description so you might have to shop around. And finally, be watching. Watch for God to show you things and do things that only God could do - in you, through you and around you.
This is just the beginning of what will probably be the most exciting time in your life. Walking with God, knowing His heart and fulfilling His plan and purpose for your life is by far the most intense and exciting adventure you'll ever experience. So, buckle up and hang on tight because you're in for the ride of your life!
Hey I'm glad you're reading this. It probably means you have some kind of desire to know God's heart a little more. It probably also means you want to know why God created you and what He wants to do with your life.
In a nutshell, there are no secret tricks to knowing God's will for your life. So, it's not like you can read a couple little tips and say the right prayer and then presto...you know God's will for your life. I really believe God wants you to know what His plan and purpose is for your life, so you can live it. Because if you lived it, genuinely lived it, He would be the One getting the honor and glory for it. And in case you haven't picked up on it, God is all about people seeing Him and knowing Him. And if you lived an authentic life following Christ, people would definitely see Jesus.
So, if we don't have a little booklet to offer you with 12 steps to finding God's will, then what is all this about? Is that kinda what you're asking?
What I'd like to suggest you do, if you haven't already done it, is take me up on what I call the "30 day challenge". What you do is read your Bible for 15 minutes a day for 30 days. Period. No magic hoops. Just plain and simple truth penetrating through the pages of your Bible deep into the depths of your heart. What you'll find is the more time you spend with God, reading His word and hearing from His heart, the more you'll understand God's will for your life.
When you read God's word it helps you understand God's heart. And when you know God's heart, you'll have a better grasp of knowing His will. That's it. And that's my final answer.
I hope you'll take me up on my 30 day challenge. Hundreds and thousands of people have and the results are unanimous - GOD IS CHANGING LIVES and revealing Himself in ways that leave no doubt that it's God. So, as you embark on this new journey happy sailing! And remember God is looking for some young men and young women who would stand to be counted among the few who are as zealous for His honor as He is. Our prayer is that you'll step up and BE THE ONE!
Until They Know Him!
Dirk