FOLLOW THE LEADER
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
My plan is much better than God's, and I'll do what feels right.
I know He says He has good plans, but so far, they are not what I expected.
God, do You care about me? Why is Your will confusing?
Do any of these statements above sound familiar? Many of us have had these thoughts before, and most of us still struggle with them. God's will isn't a formula to figure out. Knowing God's will can be difficult because it requires patience, trust and obedience. Paul's instruction to not be foolish can sound daunting, but it's helpful to remember that God almost always reveals His will to us one step at a time.
Whether displayed on a desk, in a car, or on a wall, Jeremiah 29:11 serves as a daily reminder of God's good plans and the hope and future He promises. Yet trusting Him can be difficult when a diagnosis comes, direction seems unclear, or God feels distant. These moments invite us to consider carefully how we live, seek His wisdom and choose our steps prayerfully.
After college, I had the perfect plan: a big house, a spouse, a luxury car and a job with a sizable salary. God wasn't part of my plans. I was pursuing success without considering where my choices were leading.
Then COVID hit, and everything changed. Life felt dark, and my spirit felt darker. During that season, I surrendered my life to the Lord, found community and began healing. I learned to slow down, examine my priorities and walk intentionally with Him. Looking back, His plan was better than anything I imagined. His faithfulness taught me that living wisely means trusting His direction above my ambitions. Even in the valley, I can take each step carefully, knowing He cares.
APPLICATION: As you seek God's will, focus less on getting every decision right and more on staying close to Him through Scripture, prayer and faithful obedience. Ask God to make your next step clear, and trust that He can guide you even when you can't see the whole path.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for being a caring Father. I pray that as You light my path, You make Your will clear and help me not desire my will over Yours. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?