Reel To Real: Movie Devotions For FamiliesSample

What Is God’s Purpose for Your Life?    

For Moses and David, God had detailed instructions; but, for most people, He doesn’t give detailed instructions. He does, however, give a wonderful plan for our lives in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and John 10:10.

For George Bailey in the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” abundance didn’t mean traveling and becoming rich, but it meant helping others and having a wonderful family and friends.

God tells us what his will for your life is in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

When my first son, Peirce, was very young, I was preaching on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and thought, “What do I want for my son’s life? Do I want him to do what I’ve done? Really, I want him to be happy.” Well, God wants you to be happy as 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, “Be happy,” (or “Rejoice always” depending on the translation). Then, I want my children to talk to me. Well, God says, “Talk to me often,” or “Pray constantly.” Then, I want my children to appreciate others and what God has done for them. In Verse 18, God says, “Give thanks in everything.”

The passage ends saying, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” There is no other place in the Bible where it tells you what God’s will for you is. God’s will in Christ Jesus for you is to be happy, talk to him and be grateful. What a wonderful plan for your life!

For George Bailey, God wanted him to have an attitude of gratitude for his “wonderful life.”

So, in a fallen world, with trials and tribulations: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Father, I rejoice when I recall the good in my life. I ask You to fulfill Your Will for my life, and thank You for Your blessings in Jesus Christ’s Name by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Film to Faith:  “It’s a Wonderful Life”