"Finding God's Plan" Pt 2 of 2:
Mistakes are effective teachers. There consequences have a way of making lessons painfully clear. But those who learn from their mistakes are likely to develop wisdom that not only helps them move forward, but use this experience to help others in similar situations..
Jeremiah 29:11 is still in the Bible. Its message is a true today as when it was scribed on the sacred pages of God's Word. Finding God's plan or His perfect will for our lives isn't always easy. Some never find it because they choose to ignore Him entirely and live a life as if the Lord doesn't even exist. Here's the thing about God - when He created us, he gave us the freedom of choice. We can love him, hate him, accept him, deny him, follow or reject him. You and I make a choice about God EVERY SINGLE DAY of our lives. To live WITH or WITHOUT Him!
Here's another thing about God (whether you believe it or not). God NEVER CHANGES. He loves you as much today as the moment He knit you together in your mother's womb. His plan and purpose for your life is still in place. His plans aren't just good; THEY ARE PERFECT! They are designed with a perspective that sees the entire tapestry of our lives, not just the single thread we fixate on. Trusting that truth, however, requires faith, especially when circumstances seem confusing, painful, or vastly different from what we envisioned.
Do you feel like you've messed your life up? If so, thank God for that feeling because He's letting you know He knows where you are, what you need, and that He not only has the solution for your life's problems - HE IS THE SOLUTION! The Bible is filled with men and women who messed up, but learned of the grace of God. Lives were changed in that day and are being changed today when any individual realizes God's ways are better than there's.
It doesn't matter how far you've drifted, how lost you are, the depths you've fallen, the decisions you've made, God is calling your name. He stands before you with open arms saying, "Come unto Me!" The only thing keeping you from God and His plan for your life is one simple decision. Will you surrender your life and seek His help or reject Him? He's willing to give you a new start in life - His plans for you are still in place. He said, "IF YOU SEEK ME, YOU WILL FIND ME!" (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Pastor Carnes
