How to follow God's plan (2023)

Did we make a big mistake? We had prayed for this job opportunity. We had sought the wise advice of a trusted friend. Then we pray some more. After two trips to the hospital with our newborn and six weeks of sleepless nights, it seemed like this open door to another job was an answer.prayer. Not only would it bring us closer to our local church, but we would have friends and family who could help us. We were finally able to breathe a little easier. But after hauling the family and hauling everything we owned 700 miles to our new home, we never expected to face this.He.

The new company that had offered my husband the job closed its doors. This turn of events has hit us hard, leaving us with the uncertainty of unemployment as we raise a new baby. This made me wonder: how can we be so sure that this was God's will? If He really brought us here, why should that happen? He asked me if I knew how to follow God's plan. But through our experience, I discovered life-changing truths in God's Word that help me understand his plan for my life and follow him with confidence.

As you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, trust that He will.

I cannot count the number of prayers offered to God before we made the big decision to move to another state. Daily I sat before my Heavenly Father, questioning, seeking, and knocking while I waited for some directing sign. But between prayers I was reflecting, evaluating and negotiating with God about the whole thing. I claimed to trust the Holy Spirit, but my actions told a different story.

Sometimes we will not hear the audible voice of God giving us the direction we are looking for. In the stillness of waiting, it's easy to let our mind drift into a whirlwind of questions and concerns. When this happens, we must remember the moment when we invited Jesus Christ into our lives. Because of his deep love for us, he sent the Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide.Juan 16:13dice,"The Spirit will guide you into all truth."So even if I don't have a definitive answer, I can trust the Spirit within me to provide me with what I need to make each decision with clarity and a firm heart.

Instead of making it complicated, focus on the simplicity of God's will.

The more we tried to find the best option for our family, the more confused we became. With all the craziness, we couldn't see how the confusion was affecting our daily lives. We were already tired of our little one's health problems. We had few connections because we had only lived in our current house for a short time, which left us feeling lonely. Now add the stress of a major decision and our relationship suffered. we had forgotten the truth1 Corinthians 14:33,"For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace."

God's Word offers simple steps for those seeking His will.“Always be joyful, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

to encourage Pray. Thank. These three actions will push aside all the distractions of our out-of-control thoughts. When we return our focus to the simplicity of God's will for us, we suddenly lose the urgency to make a decision.at the moment.Our focus is how we live our lives for God, not how He answers our prayers.

Know that God's plan can go against what makes sense to us.

When a decision needs to be made that will change my life, I look beyond the immediate and try to see the possible outcome. I'm thinking where the decision will take us. Will we be happy with the elections in five years? Will we regret going in this direction? The problem with this habit is that I can't predict what God has planned for me. God always works in ways beyond what I can think or imagine.“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."(Isaiah 55:8-9).

Instead of spending time and energywhat if, we can remind ourselves that an uncertain outcome opens the door for God to be glorified in our situation. And isn't that what we want most? God never ceases to amaze me with his faithfulness in seemingly impossible circumstances. During our 10 months with no income, we never skipped a meal. Our family had a place to live, our needs met, and loved ones who surrounded us and supported us. God works so that we cannot find comfort in our own works. We don't have to worry about how all of this will play out; we just have to trust God through it all.

Understand that even bad things can be part of the plan.

When I'm going through the most difficult struggles of my life, I don't want to hear that "God has a plan for all of this." I want relief for now. I need a breather and I can't think today about what I could get out of my exams later. Amid all the bad stuff, it's hard to see that this could be part of a bigger plan.

familiar words inJeremiah 29:11bring us anticipation When we hear this sentence"I know the plans I have for you."We smile with hope for the adventure ahead. But what if the next step isn't so exciting? What about those moments when anticipation is replaced by fear of what is to come? We may not feel excited during life's darkest moments, and that's okay. God doesn't expect us to fake a smile when faced with trials and confusion, but he offers his presence for peace and comfort. He also promises that."And we know that God works all things for the good of those who love him, that is, of those who are called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28).

Remember that God's plan has a greater purpose.

The next step for my family led to a longer period of trust in God on a deeper level than before. Every day I had to turn my thoughts to God. I had resolved to give thanks and find joy in everyday moments instead of reflecting on our situation. Keeping my thoughts with God led me to a closer relationship with Him."You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are on you!"(Isaiah 26:3NTL).

At the end of our unemployment, God provided a new job that was even better than the old one. He went one step further, but from our experience we learned to walk through that door with renewed confidence. We may never know if we made the right decision for our families on that fateful day, but we continue to see God's promises come to pass.

Ephesians 1:11reminds us that God's plan has a greater purpose than what we see."...because he has chosen us beforehand, and makes all things happen according to his plan."As we show God our willingness to trust Him in every situation, we become a part of that greater purpose.

christina brownhe is a communicator at heart, sharing biblical insights with readers and listeners in a meaningful way. His life experiences combine to create an eclectic backdrop for his lessons, which emphasize God's powerful word and saving grace. she is the author of the bookabout that Overcome comparison to live God's plan, and founder of the non-profit organization More Than Yourself, Inc. Read Kristine's weekly newspaperprayersand resources for the study of the Bible inkristinebrown.netor connect with herFacebookYGore.

Photo courtesy of ©Thinkstock/rdonar