Charles F. Stanley - God Has a Plan for Your Life: The Discovery that Makes All the Difference

D oes God have a purpose and a plan for my life? If so, can I know it? Each time I hear these two questions, I answer the same way: yes, He does. In fact, His personal promise to you is that He does have a purpose and a plan for your life (Jer. 29:11). While you may not know or understand all the twists and turns of life, you can be sure of one thing: the same God who breathed life into you loves you enough to plan for your future. He has promised that if you will seek Him, you will find Him, and you also will discover His will for your life.

Many people spend a lot of time thinking about how Gods will is a mystery that cannot be unlocked. This simply is not true. We can know the plans He has for us. We may not know all the details because God keeps some aspects of His will to Himself, but we can know the right path to take in every situation.

Years ago, I wrote a small book entitled DiscoveringGods Will. In it, I included some of the questions people asked on a regular basis. Each one involved some aspect of Gods will for their lives. At that time, most of the questions focused on potential marriage partners, raising children, and selecting the right vocation.

I was offered a new job in another state. There are a lot of pluses about it. Can God help me make a wise decision?

My daughter is a high school senior and has the opportunity to attend several colleges this fall. How can I know which one is right for her?

Should I marry this girl? I really think God has brought us together, but I would like to know Gods mind on our future together.

Today, however, many questions we face have changed. Following the world events of the past few years, the questions are much more intense and include ones such as the following:

Yesterday, I received word that I was going to be laid off from my job. My wife is out of work also, and I dont know how we will pay our mortgage. Does God have a plan for us? I need to know because I feel so hopeless.

Im thirty-one years old, and my doctor told me last week that I have cancer. I dont understand. I love God and have been living my life for Him. Why is He allowing this to happen? Does He have a purpose for my suffering?

Last week, my doorbell rang and I opened the door to a sight that I feared would come. Two army officers stood before me with the news that my son had been killed in battle. My grief is so great. I dont understand Gods will at all. My son was so young. What is God doing? Is there a way that He will use this for some purpose in the future?

I never realized I could feel so lonely. However, after my husband left me last year, I have struggled with deep feelings of loneliness and even fear. Some of my Christian friends have tried to help, but many of them are busy with their own families. Does God still have a plan for me? Will I ever feel happy and alive again?

For several years, I used various drugs. Today, thanks to Gods help and the support of my church family, I am drug-free. However, now I feel so shameful. Can God still use me? Does He have a plan for my life? Is there hope for my future?

Without a doubt, today, more and more people are wondering if God is aware of their situation and the problems they are facing. However, the deeper question is, Does He love me and have a purpose for my life?

Let me start this book with some very good news. In spite of any difficulty or sin that you may have faced, God still has a fantastic plan in mind for your life. This is His personal promise for you. It is His plan to give you hope and a future, and it is His goal to lead you through the difficult times as well as the good times so that you will fulfill His purpose in this life. In Proverbs, He says that when we turn to Him and place the focus of our hearts on Him, He will make your paths straight (3:56).

For someone reading these words, the idea of traveling a straight path is very encouraging, especially if you spent years wandering in circles that had you on pathways God never designed for you to travel. However, all of that is about to change as you discover His will for your life, which includes a plan that is tailored perfectly to suit you. Many people want to know, How can I be sure that I am doing the right thing? Will God tell me? The answer is yes!

He will never leave you groping for answers. You may have to spend some time seeking His face for answers to your prayers, but when you do, you will never be disappointed. He is the only One who knows the plans that He has for us and how they can be fulfilled. They are plans that contain renewed peace and joy.

It is my hearts prayer that everyone who reads this book will allow God to demonstrate His infinite love and care in a fresh new way. Without a doubt, once you accept Christ as your Savior, the most important aspect of the Christian life is learning that He has a will and purpose not only for your eternal life, but also for every situation you face each day.