By Emily Wooten
People don’t often stop to think about God’s plans for them. They may not give it a second thought, but God has designed you with unique abilities, talents and skills. You have purpose. If someone were to ask you, “What do you want most from this life,” what would your answer be? Paul wrote encouraging the folks at Rome.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul is suggesting that they can through the power of the Holy Ghost learn how to abound in hope, being filled with all joy and peace in believing. Having confidence in God’s plan brings peace.
When Paul was on the ship when the storms appeared to be destroying the ship. He already knew God’s plan for him to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. He understood, had peace and was filled with joy, despite the circumstances. He said,
Acts 27:22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
An angel had appeared to him and gave him a plan. He guaranteed him no humans would loose their life. That wasn’t God’s best in this situation. Earlier Paul had warned them that trip would be met with great peril. He also told them it would be wise for them to go a different route. They did not give Paul’s words consideration.
Scripture tells us to acknowledge God (pay attention, do as we are told) in all our way and he will direct our path. The steps of a good human are ordered of the Lord. These are our promises from God’s heart to his children. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:23)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (fearful or anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
James 1: 2-6 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
God’s waiting on you to come to him so you can have a conversation with him about his provision, plans and purpose in you.
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