God’s Plan for Your Life

It is a regular conversation among Christians with statements like, “God has a plan for you.” In my experience this is often associated with major life changes or even avoided tragedy. It is very true. God does have a plan for each of, but it may not be the plan we had in mind.

The Lord said to the Jews who believed in him, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day.”

John 6.35-39

The fruit of the Holy Spirit “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5.22-23)

There is a difference between how God wants us to use the gifts He has given to us and His plan for us. We are expected by God to use these gifts to spread the Gospel and glorify God. Quite frankly, I don’t think God cares much if we do that as custodians or politicians.

It is a false justification if we believe that God’s plan for us is about our career choices. We can just as easily glorify God with the gifts He has given to us in whatever job puts food on our table. Not every saint was a political leader or influential member of society. There must be more to it.

So, we return to today’s Gospel passage. The will of God is for Christ to raise us up at the last day. Can He raise us up after a life of cleaning toilets? Of course He can. Our future resurrection isn’t about a career choice. Our resurrection is about living in communion with God.

Being in communion with God is the only plan God has for us. Sure, He has given us talents that will aide in our communion, and He expects us to make good use of them. For me, that ultimately means being faithful custodians, faithful politicians, faithful bankers, etc.

I believe strongly that Orthodoxy can heal America. I pray the hearts of our neighbors and coworkers are drawn to the Church for healing and salvation. This won’t happen through priests and bishops. It will only happen through faithful Orthodox Christian citizens in every walk of life.

Do you want to know God’s plan for your life? Go to Church, pray, fast, support the ministries of the Church, and live in real communion with God. Be a witness to God in whatever career you choose. Not only will you being living out His plan for you.

You will help others Live A New Life In Christ and fulfill His plan for them too.