The Blessing on the Plan

Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). Proverbs 19:21 Amplified Bible

Yesterday, I listened to a sermon on pursuing our interests with the expectation that God will automatically bless our plans. The Pastor explained that when he received the message from God that his purpose was to be a leader, specifically a pastor, he resisted. He confessed that in his prayer, he challenged God. “God, I have a great business idea and have been approved for financing. I need your help to find a building.” Yes, he had grand plans for himself. The desire to have his own business consumed his every waking moment. But then God flexed His divine authority and set up roadblocks that should have been open doors. When the financing for the proposed business fell through then, he acquiesced by accepting his calling of divine purpose.

Sadly, the most prevalent response to his sermon indicated the reason for the escalated anxieties among modern believers, “What is my purpose? I wish God would reveal what he wants me to do.” This is an overwhelming issue common in today’s body of believers–not having direction and purpose for their lives. We could analyze the “cause and effect” aspect of not living a purpose-driven life, but let’s skip that conversation by identifying the solutions to immediately remedy the problem.

We are disciples of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual purpose is to witness. The manner in which we minister depends on our spiritual gifts.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 11

Jesus Christ is our role model. He had a team of 12 disciples to accompany Him to minister to others. They also had the same power to perform miracles, yet, they totally relied on Jesus to do everything. The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20 is a command for action: Go! Every believer is responsible for witnessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, He cares and alleviates our suffering.

When I became physically disabled and my nursing career ended prematurely, I was very disappointed. I asked God for direction and purpose. Even though I was tech-challenged, I began to research, “How were individuals placing text on images?” Yes, there were expensive options, but my purpose was to promote practical messages for impractical times. I downloaded a simple text on the picture app, WordSwag, and posted encouraging bible verses on beautiful pictures.

The progression from posting scriptures to creating a website for publishing devotionals has led to a publishing company accepting my manuscript for a daily devotional book. The willingness to pray for divine guidance and use my spiritual gifts has led to an online ministry with many followers. This is not about self-promotion. I do not accept financial donations. I am simply a disciple on a mission to alleviate the suffering of others by giving them hope through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

God uses ordinary people who are willing and obedient to spread the message of Jesus’ soon coming. We are the light-bearers and the messengers who spread the message of hope. There are so many options for outreach ministry, the elderly and disabled who would appreciate home-cooked meals or house cleaning, volunteering to assist the homeless, soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, or posting online encouragement. Remember, Jesus left us with a priority task, we must “Go!” to receive the reward of “Well done.” © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Who is going to tell them? I will!