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7 Keys to Finding God's Plan for You

God's Plan

A poll was conducted where participants were asked, "If you could ask God one question, what would it be?"

Their answer:

"Why am I here?"

Knowing God's plan for our lives is a question asked by so many people that I promised in an earlier post that I would cover it.

Read: 4 Tips For Finding Your Purpose In Life

When discussing God's plans, only about 2 out of 10 people can clearly articulate God's plan for their life, and only 1 out of 10 can confidently do so. Why is it that something so important doesn't get answered? 

God does everything on purpose and that includes bringing you into the world. You are not a mistake. God knew you in your mother's womb (see Jeremiah 1:5) and designed you with a purpose.

It would make sense that God's plan for us includes what's best for us. That following His plan would lead to a better outcome than "winging it" on our own. If His plan is infinitely better than ours then we would be wise to determine what that plan is.

God's plan is not a one-size-fits-all program. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (see Psalm 139:14) as a one-of-a-kind contributor to the world, created to perform a specific way. Only you can achieve thoroughly what God intentionally created you to complete.

"God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 

-1 Peter 4:10

Think about that! You have a special gift, given to you by God, to serve others and make a difference in this life. You don't ever have to compare yourself to others, or their gifts, because you were uniquely made with a singular purpose that only you can accomplish.

You may question your skills or your worth but don't worry -

God sees you not as you are, but as you will become.

Understanding that God has a different plan and purpose can be both exciting and overwhelming. But as much as God has a divine plan for everyone, there are some steps we can all take to determine His divine individual plan for our lives.

Don't be bothered by past mistakes, failures, or where in life you finally seek God's plan. If you got up and had breath in your lungs today, He has a plan for your life. He will take you from today's point to His chosen destination.

7 Keys to Finding God's Plan for You

1. Pray

*Remember the beginning of this post? If people could ask one question... well, You CAN.

*Prayer allows us to connect with God on a personal level. That connection is intimate and enables us to seek His guidance directly.

Read: 6 Ways to a Better Prayer Life

*Use your prayer time to ask your Heavenly Father what His plan is for your life.

*There is no detail too small to ask God about. I encourage you to bring your whole list to Him for input and direction. James 4:2 says, "We have not because we ask not", so ask away...

2. Read

*Trusting God's plan for your life can be formidable, particularly when you are going through challenges and attacks on your faith. Reading stories of people just like you, facing difficult circumstances, but choosing to follow God's plan and succeeding, will inspire you.

*God's plan for you will never be outside His divine will and nature. Reading the Bible will allow you to recognize what His plan will look like for you.

*Reading the Bible will reinforce the fact that God has a plan, even when your mind entertains doubts and fears.

"But the Lord's plans stand forever; His intentions can never be shaken." 

-Psalm 33:11

*People avoid the Bible because, in addition to testifying of God's love for us, it exposes our sins and weaknesses. Let it. Acknowledging those infirmities allows us to ask for forgiveness, change, and move toward His plan rather than away from it.

3. Seek

*As you look for God's plan, seek out the help of trusted friends, clergy, mentors, and others that you know are strong in their faith and understand your search.

*Remember. You are not asking them what God's plan is for your life. They don't know. You are seeking counsel on how to determine His will, not what it is.

*Use your internet connection for something other than social media updates and reality star bios. There is a wealth of information to aid you. Just be sure that what is said aligns with what you've already read in the Bible.

4. Listen

*God will not abandon you in your search. When you ask for help in discerning His plan for you, make sure you take the time to listen for the response. Find a quiet place, your car, a room, a nature trail, and hear what He has to say.

*God gave us a comforter, the Holy Spirit (see John 15:26). Listen for confirmation. You will have an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity when choosing God's plan. Calmness will assure you that the sign was from God.

*Listen to your heart and spirit. God's plan often brings fulfillment and happiness because it aligns with the talents He gave us in the beginning to complete His plan.

5. Surrender

*Trust in God's plan. Remember that His love for you is unconditional, making His plans for you good and rewarding. Even when your world is upside down, you can be sure it will work out for good in the end.

*Surrender your plan and your will to His. I meet people regularly that devise a plan on their own, and then ask God to rubber stamp it later. That won't get you closer to God's plan.

*Be willing to surrender your efforts and commit to whatever He desires you to undertake. God will not deliver a plan that He knows you will toss aside for His own.

"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." 

-Proverbs 19:21

Read: A Matter of Faith

6. Adapt

*Being in God's will and following His plan won't always be smooth sailing. In fact, I can assure you there will be obstacles because the other side doesn't want you to fulfill your destiny. Be adaptable and open to detours.

*You may have to step out of your normal routine and take some risks to implement your part of His plan. Trust, adapt, and overcome. He is with you at every turn.

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and He will help you." 

-Psalm 37:5

*Be ready to meet God where you are. You will make mistakes. That doesn't change God's plan. Adapt, accept, and move on.

7. Wait

*God's timing is not your timing. You can't hurry God and you won't want to. His timing is perfect. Be patient and don't give up on His plan because results are immediately seen.

"And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." 

-Galatians 6:9

*God's plan is about the journey, not the destination. There will be challenges, setbacks, and roadblocks, but with prayer, faith, and patience, you can remain on the path that God has lit before you.

Trusting God's plan for your life won't always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Be diligent in seeking His guidance knowing that He is always in control. 

God is Big and He is Near.

Final Thoughts on God's Plan for You

God has a personal interest in your life. You are worthy of that interest because He made you and loves you without limits. 

It can be hard when under duress and amid life's struggles to believe that the maker of heaven and earth cares enough to have that plan. Rest assured that God is always with you, even when you fail to sense His presence. 

When you are seeking God's plan and want to know if a decision you are about to make is the right one within that plan, here are some questions to put the decision to the test:

• Is it consistent with the word of God? God's plan will never be contrary to His will expressed in His word.
• Is it a smart decision? What will the true consequences be (not the outcome hope for)?
• Would you back the decision in public, before friends, family, and other people of faith?
• Would you be ashamed to ask God to bless it? It can't be within His plan if you aren't confident of His backing.
• Will it benefit or advance God's plan and your purpose

Your best life will take place within the walls of God's plan. Seek His will continually through prayer, listening, and obedience to His direction. 

That best life possible comes from discovering and walking in God's will. 

Remember, you were born with a gift. Give freely of that gift to others. 

You cannot outgive God!

Now go live your best life,

Dan