BY JESSICA LANDMON
Discovering God’s plan for our lives is something I think we all can agree is very important. What does God want me to do with my life? How will He use my story to help others? Why am I here? What is my destiny? These are just a few of the questions many of us have. And as important as these are, I caution you not to get so preoccupied looking into the future that you miss out on what God has planned for you in the here and now.
You see, God has a series of assignments for each of us during the different seasons of our lives. Faithful completion of these assignments develops depth of character, patience, resolve and unshakeable faith. These things are all necessary in becoming the woman of God that He intends. We need to understand that God is more interested in our character than our calling. He is more interested in shaping us to be more and more like Him, than He is about promoting us.
Let’s take a look at the life of King David. Before David sat on any throne, David went through many years of preparation – preparation that was necessary for Him to be a ruler that is known as “a man after God’s own heart.” In fact, after Samuel anointed teenage David to be king, he had to wait many years to realize his ultimate calling. But that time wasn’t wasted.
During that time, David was tasked with many things, and he earnestly kept in step with God’s plan. He didn’t rush ahead to get to the “good stuff.” David obeyed God in every season of His life, even the not-so-glamourous moments, like taking care of sheep, playing the harp for his future adversary King Saul, and delivering lunch to his ungrateful brothers. David even had to endure a season on the run as King Saul sought to kill him.
ALL OF THIS made up David’s story, not just his ultimate destination as King of Israel. And I believe that is why David was Israel’s greatest ruler. He never rushed God’s plans.
Ladies, you will never get to do the things God has planned for you in the future if you are not obedient in doing the things He has asked you to do in the present. Read that again!
I am certain that God is asking each of us for simple steps of obedience in this season. Will you obey? Don’t forsake the importance of raising children who serve the Lord. Don’t underestimate how powerful reaching out to a sick friend can be. Don’t belittle the small gesture of cleaning up after a church event. All of these acts of obedience are part of your story. God has great plans in store for you in the future, but whether or not you actually fulfill them depends on your obedience today.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11