ACCEPT GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE

Have you ever had one of those moments where someone asked you what you want to be when you grow up? Or maybe you’re in high school and people have asked you what your plans are for the future or what you’re going to major in when you get to college? Sometimes dreaming about our lives can be exciting, but other times, it’s a little scary and intimidating because we feel the pressure to know exactly what the plan is. Even Drake’s song "God’s Plan" can make us freak out because one second we’re singing about God’s plan, and the next minute we’re searching the Bible to tell us exactly what He’s called us to do. 

No matter how old you are, I think we all have a desire in our hearts to do what Jesus has called us to and to live out His purpose and plan for our lives. Today’s devo is all about crushing the fears and anxieties that come along with God’s plan for us, because it’s actually much simpler than we think. 

I remember being so scared as a teenager that I was somehow going to make a wrong decision that might push me out of God’s will and purpose for my life. That led me to start making decisions from a place of fear of failure rather than the freedom to live life to the fullest. When I read Jeremiah 29:11, I finally realized that God has plans to give me hope, not to punish me for messing up if I go off track. That simple verse freed me up to dream, to be friends with everyone, and to not be anxious or worried. 

Pastor Carl preached a message about God’s plan for our lives a while back, and he reminded all of us that it’s not about doing everything perfectly to stay in God’s will; it’s about living out two things: loving Jesus and loving others. If we can do both of those things, then we are walking out God’s purpose and plan! It’s that simple. Our job as young people is to trust Jesus, to love Him, to show other people who Jesus is, and to love them the way He has loved us. All of the details of “the plan” will flow from that. 

I want to encourage you to take a minute today to walk out this plan and purpose for your life. I think an easy place to start is just to think about 2-3 people in your life that might need some love and reach out to them. Shoot someone a text, give someone a call, and let them know that they have a friend in you!

Love Jesus. 

Love yourself.

Love others.

That’s the plan.