Mar
15

Does God Really Have A Plan For Me?

Author Steven Cribbs    Category Life     Tags

Most of us have heard thoughts like God knows every single one of the hairs on our head (all 140,000 of them) and that God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. But, do you still find yourself wondering from time to time if God has a purpose for you or if you are in the right place or the right time?

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Sometimes it is easy to slip into a mode of wondering if God really spends much time on His plan for us – and it is easy to get discouraged at that point. I was recently reminded of how much God does love us, how well God knows us, and how specific God is when placing us in His plan. Think about this:

Imagine God taking the earth and spinning it – through space and time – in the palm of His hand. As it is spinning, God is able to see everything about each individual place on earth and each point in time throughout history (past, present, and future). Then, with you not yet placed in this world, He reaches out and picks you up (reminding me of a favorite video game where you can pick people up and place them anywhere in the theme park that you wish). While holding you, God stops the spinning earth at a very specific place AND very specific time.

Then with a loving touch, the God of the universe gently places you exactly where you find yourself now. It could have been anywhere – from Colorado Springs, CO to the fringes of Antarctica to somewhere in Tanzania. And it could have been at any point in time – from 3000 BC to 300 AD to today to some point in the future. God knows exactly who you are, how you were made, how you work, your desires and dreams, what you need to function in life and even the other people that you need to cross paths with. God even knew that you would not have survived without the indoor plumbing of the 21st century! And with all of that in mind, God placed you, with great care, exactly where you are…exactly where you need to be…exactly where you can be the most effective in His plan. God didn’t make a mistake!

God created us uniquely – with unique personalities, unique characteristics, unique desires, and unique abilities. God knows all of our unique traits better than we ever will. And, when we allow Him to, God will use those unique abilities to change our world (His world) and to prosper each of us – giving us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Sometimes it is hard to see, or believe, that God has gifted us with specific skills, talents, and passions that He wants to use. Sometimes it is hard to believe that God has a plan for us – especially given current circumstances. But, hold on to God’s promises and trust that He has created you in a very special way. Keep listening and watching for what God wants for you.

How has God uniquely created you? What gifts and passions is God challenging you to use?  You can leave a comment below.

10 Comments to “Does God Really Have A Plan For Me?”

  • Adam March 15, 2011 at 7:43 am

    Great post Steven.
    God has given me thew gift of athleticism. I played baseball all through college and now recently started teaching hitting lessons to kids in the area. I felt that this would be a positive way to connect with young people who seem to listen to me and be drawn to me.
    Funny thing is I had never wanted to do anything like this. I felt that Lord pushing me in that direction, and with my wifes encouragement I started teaching the kids. Now I am so glad that i started doing it. It is so rewarding!
    So I think God is using me for that right now. As little as it may seem I think it is my part right now for the kingdom.

    • Steven Cribbs March 15, 2011 at 8:42 am

      Sports end up being a great way to connect with kids – you get to teach them something about the game, the potential for developing a relationship is significant, and you gain opportunities to speak into their lives.

      It’s interesting how God puts us in places that we never really planned for or anticipated…and then to see the really cool things that He does!

  • Jeff Randleman March 15, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Very timely. I’ve been talking with my kids about purpose in life. And at the same time, sort of struggling with my own. I’m pushing 40, and I’m a youth minister. The question I’m asking is “Am I getting too old for this? Should I start looking for other types of ministry?”

    I know that God has a plan for me. I know this. I know it. I really do. But sometimes you just don’t feel like knowing it, you know?

    Anyway, thanks for the great reminder!

    • Steven Cribbs March 15, 2011 at 3:35 pm

      I can relate. Sometimes the distance between the heart and the head can be a long ways. I know that God has a plan for me. Sometimes I think I get a glimpse of a particular direction; and, then later it seems to look different. And most of the time I end up with lots of questions. Some days I wish I could just be 8 or 9 years old again and spend a day riding my bike and playing with my friends.

  • Brandon March 15, 2011 at 11:31 am

    This was a great post! Really something to be reminded of… God has a purpose and a plan for all of us!

    • Steven Cribbs March 15, 2011 at 3:37 pm

      It can be so easy to get bogged down in the process of life and lose site of God’s bigger plan. It helps to have regular reminders of God’s view.

  • Gail April 27, 2011 at 1:46 am

    Joseph’s life is such an amazing reminder that God does have a unique, carefully, detailed plan for our lives. This is where I go when I need to be reminded that He has it all in control. And I love the verses about God’s faithfulness like Joshua 21 v 45 “God promised many good things to the Israelites and He kept His promise EVERY time.”

    • Steven Cribbs April 27, 2011 at 2:47 pm

      Joseph’s story is a great one to remember. It is interesting to see God’s providential hand at work when we take a high-level view of the stories given to us in the Old Testament.

  • Sometimes God Has A Different Plan | Steven Cribbs May 24, 2011 at 7:05 am

    […] Could God be doing something bigger in your life – something that requires more time or preparation? Could God be using something in your life to make a bigger impact for others?  Rest-assured, though, God does have a plan for you. […]

  • God Is Wild About You – VBS Day 1 | Steven Cribbs June 7, 2011 at 10:28 am

    […] are here for a reason!  God has a plan for us!  God loves us!  And God made […]

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