“All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the One who sent Me.” John 9:4 NKJV
“You do not choose your life’s task; He chooses that and you answer His call.”
My thoughts today are that “God has a better idea.”
Life is not fun when there is no sense of direction. You and I were never created to be aimless or idle; we need purpose and meaning, and the opportunity to contribute something to the well being of others. There is a danger, however, and that is if you assume that direction and purpose is yours alone to determine. My plans for life were the study of architecture. Personally, I don’t think any person can best choose their own course for their life’s purpose; that requires a proper recognition of God’s place and priority in every life, especially your own. Read Romans 12:1-2.
After graduating from High School, I was enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, for the following fall semester. There was nothing wrong with my plans, except they had been without conscious consideration of God’s plan for me. Just weeks before beginning my architectural studies, I became aware that God had a better idea. My assignment from God was pastoral ministry not architecture, and I left weeks later for studies at what is now Bethany University in Santa Cruz, California – a world away from Illinois for an 18 year old boy.
Everything about the outworking of my life from that point hinged on just one decision – accepting a Godly assignment and trusting Him to direct and use my life as He chose. I cannot think of a single thing that I would change today about the course my life has taken since. What I do, where I am, and the incredible lady who shares my life, are all the direct result of letting God direct my path. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn.” Psalm 37:3-6 NIV. I am so glad that I did not waste time till later in my life to discover that God always has the better idea. There has never been a moment of regret. You do not choose your assignment; His assignment chooses you and you answer the call. Read Matthew 6:33 NIV.
A conviction of your God-given assignment is one of the most powerful influences for an effective and fulfilling life – a life that makes sense, even when little else does. There comes clarity to everyday life. You may not yet know everything you will need to know eventually, but you will be confident about what you do know. Some people just wander through life, trying one thing unsuccessfully and then something else – never finding their place or calling. See Proverbs 3:6 NLT.
There comes priority to everyday life. Success and satisfaction in life is really a matter of saying yes to the right things and no to the wrong. When you understand God’s plan and welcome His assignment, it is easier to recognize what are your responsibilities and what are not. You keep focus and stay on task better.
There comes a certainty to everyday life. You finally know what life is about, and what you are about, and you know with conviction how life will ultimately turn out – with success in His eyes and satisfaction in your heart. While others are looking for what they should be and do, you are happily busy enjoying that. Consider Proverbs 16:9 NIV.
My prayer for you today is to choose His plans and know of their success and reward.