Hello , What are your future plans?
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope," Jeremiah 29:11, NLT.
God has plans for you.
Some plans are for right now, while others reach a bit further, and there are plans for your eternity. Does God have a plan for you? Yes, but perhaps not in the way you might be thinking. God has a plan for everyone; it's essentially the same plan for each person, however, there are some unique things about you where God uses your talents, right here and now.
Immediate Plans.
Yep, God has immediate plans for you. For example, God expects you to grow in faith and character. Second Peter 3:18 has this, "Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." And Second Peter 1:3-10 has a growing list of Christian spiritual attributes we must acquire and develop. Verse 11 states: "Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
But there are other plans God has for you now. Beginning in Romans 12:7 we see,
If you can serve others, God wants you to be about serving. Bible class material needs to be prepared, for example. There are multiple ways to do this; just remember to do Godly things in godly ways.
If you can teach, the church desperately needs your abilities. Teach the word to young, old, strangers, and visitors at services.
If you are an encourager, your brothers and sisters genuinely need your help. Barnabas was a great help to Paul. A kind word, a phone call, a card, or a gentle hand on the arm brings solace to a hurting heart.
Some folks are very giving. The Lord needs your ability to give, perhaps in financial ways, but also in many other ways. Your time given to others is a great gift. You can think of many ways to give to others,
If the Lord has blessed you with leadership abilities, then, by all means, get out there and lead. You don't need a title like an elder or deacon, just get out there and fulfill the Lord's mission.
If you're one who shows kindness, you're needed in personal work, visiting folks, greeting people at the door, doing for others, etc.
These are the plans God has for you right now, wherever you are. Amen?
You’ll have intermediate plans, too.
Who were you five years ago? If you were a Christian then no doubt you’ve grown into a greater faith now. God had plans for you five years ago, and He has plans for your next five years as well. Now, of course, His plans for you extended by ten or more years. The point is, you need to grow as a Christian. Hebrews 5:13-14 has this, “For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." You need to be teaching others about God’s grace, but that can’t happen until you have a foundation of God’s word within your heart.
Our Lord always expects us to grow. That’s His plan. The Lord has given us good people who can, with the word, lead us into maturity. Here’s the plan, Ephesians 4:13, “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Jesus is the vine. We are the branches. Our vitality comes from Him so that we may be good and faithful servants.
The Father has long-term plans for you.
What if the Father said to you,” Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master”? That’s from Matthew 25:21, ESV. The joy of your master? It’s an image of God welcoming us home, to His home, our home. When you’re at home with the Father, you’re at home eternally.
One day you will pass from this life. Will you hear “Well done?” Will you hear something else not so good? So you make plans for your life, now, in the future, and for the end. Will you follow the plan the Father has for you?
This message is from Garland Van Dyke at Bible Points!Matthews St. church of ChristPO Box 1522, Bay City, TX 774141915 Matthews Street, Bay City, TX 77414(979) 318-2463Contact me at [email protected]www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com facebook.com/matthewsstreetchurchofchristWant your own copy of our devotional in your inbox? biblepoints.org/bible-points(It's twice weekly and we don't bombard you with stuff!)
