God Has a Plan for You
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will…”
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
So, you’ve been created, you’ve got Jesus in your heart, and you have a drive, set of talents, or abilities that you want to use for some grand purpose…now what?
Good news! God hasn’t just given you talents and abilities just for grins. Like the craftsmen He set to build the tabernacle, He has a purpose for how He has uniquely designed you. That purpose, in its most broad definition, is to glorify Him and build up His Kingdom.
Your more specific purpose — how you apply these talents and abilities — is, well, kind of up to what you uncover during your walk with Christ. If you earnestly seek after what God intends to do with the tools that He has given you, He will not leave you in the dark.
But I’ve been asking God what He wants me to do with my talents and I get no direction!
Don’t panic! First thing I recommend is to ask yourself one question: what type of direction are you expecting from God?
There is absolutely the possibility that God may come down in a pillar of fire and point you in the direction you need to go…but He usually just breaks that out for special occasions.
God may use a variety of other, somewhat less dramatic, ways to lead us to where He wants us to go. This might include opportunities presenting themselves suddenly or disappearing; it might include putting wise counselors in our lives; it could include providing you with the wisdom to make the decision yourself (He’s really good at providing wisdom when we ask!).
So, to help determine God’s plan for you, here’s a couple of things to try:
Pray; alternatively, pray with fasting.
Seek the counsel of other, trusted brothers and sisters in Christ (especially those in your field, but it doesn’t have to be!).
Pray specifically for wisdom about the topic.
Take a step back from your situation and review what opportunities have presented themselves and what opportunities have gone away.
Offer your talents and abilities up to God with an open hand.
That last one is especially key when trying to determine the purpose that God has for you. Too often we get caught up in what we can do and in our passions that we forget for who’s glory these talents and abilities are ultimately for! Keeping humble, offering up these things that we were made to do as a sacrifice for His Kingdom is not only important, but essential.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” - Proverbs 16:3
Putting it into action: Spend some time today praying over your talents and abilities. Pray with earnestness for wisdom regarding their use in the Kingdom and offer them up to God with an open hand to do with as He pleases.
