
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”Jeremiah 29:11 GNT
A lot of people have goals they want to achieve, dreams & visions they want to come into existence, or even fulfill a legacy. But are you willing to sacrifice or put away your goals and dreams ASIDE from God?
As a college student, I have A LOT of goals that I personally want to achieve. Such as graduation, have a great job that fits my major, have a nice car, go to medical school, and the list goes on! I wanted to achieve them all. I literally planned it out, until everything was falling apart. I was so frustrated. I was failing classes, couldn't find a job, doors shutting in my face, and I started feeling I was not enough. I was like "Lord, what is going on?!....Do you NOT want me to be successful? Did you send me here to fail? I don't understand... " But then Lord said, "What about me Keisha?....what about MY will for you?" And I had to ask myself was my goals, dreams, and my own will is ALIGNED with God? Is my LIFE aligned with God? Was it His desire, or MY desire? When was the last time I talk to Him or when was the last time I read His word? I've gotten so busy in school I only used God whenever I need Him. You know those little 911 prayers? Like I haven't spent much time with God but whenever I lack finances or if I need Him for anything, I pray until the walls fall down and once my prayers have been fulfilled, I continue on with my business and living my way. My priorities were out of order. My spirit hasn't been fed like it suppose to be. I was feeding my flesh more than my own spirit. I. Was.Tired.com
Side note: It's funny how the Lord loves to talk to you whenever you're tired, vulnerable, weak, or in surrendering mode. However, it makes sense why He would because He can finally take that chance show you who He is. He can finally take that heavy load off of you cause you FINALLY gave in and let Him take care of it. Like the scripture said "...“For when I am weak, then I [God] am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 GNT) .But that's a whole different topic that I can elaborate on but let's focus on this topic…
Ok so, you have to ask yourself is your will aligned with God? Matthew 6:33 says "Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.” [GNT] But Keisha, what about my dreams? What about my goals? I've been working long and hard for this! Yes, I totally understand your frustration. I said that myself many times. But would you rather walk out of God's will and focus on yours? Don't you think God wants the best for you? He absolutely wants the best for you! He wants you to be prosperous and victorious! He might call you to do something else and that something else can heal you from your past, getting your family saved, get deliverance, and restoration! I'm NOT telling you to drop want you are doing. Just make sure that your will is aligned with God. Make that your everyday prayer. You tell Him every day, not MY will, but let your Will be done. Be a willing vessel for God. Ever since I placed my future, my finances, my future marriage, everything in His hands, I'm at peace. I trust Him. Is it hard? Of course! But that's when you need to ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in Him and focus on Him and stay in His word. It's crucial for all Christians! We are supposed to do this on daily basis, not whenever we need Him. Cause if we don't do it, our spirit will gradually wither and die. But if you are at that point, it's not too late get back on it! But how do I know what is God’s will for me? Here are some ways:
1. PRAY!!!
Praying is basically having a conversation with God. Talk to Him. Ask Him the questions that are burning inside you. He listens to you. But! You have to listen to Him as well. You might not get the answer right away. You might get it in a matter of days, weeks, months, and even years. But please don't be discouraged. God operates in His time. He will reveal His answer to you when the time is right.2. Read the Manual (aka the Bible)!Do not underestimate God's Word. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV). " The Word is a living and breathing organism. It's alive! It speaks life, it changes things, it determines your outcome, it tells you more who God is, how He works, how He speaks, how He feels, and more. The Bible has instructions on how Christians should act, dress, how their lifestyle should look like as well, etc.
3. What are your passions? Gifts?
Can you sing? Write songs? A poet? A dancer? Great with business? Musician? Inventor? A passion to help people? What are you good at and what is God telling you to do with it? God can use you in ALL those areas. When I was at Daytona State College during my 2 years over there, I was a math tutor. But God definitely used me in that area. I didn't just help students with their homework, I encouraged them and eventually told them about God. It amazed me every time how I share the love of God to them. I seize those moments and I knew it was the moment that God wanted me to take advantage of. I do not force it on them, I only do it when God tells me so. The only reason I know when God tells me so because I have a relationship with Him. When you have a relationship with God, you will start knowing His voice, His ways, and His works.
4. Get involve in ministry!
This is a great start when you just joined a new church because you will get closer with your church members, ministers, and your pastor as well. Not only you are serving the church, but you are also growing spiritually and learning what is ministry all about. When I joined my home church, I started out in the praise team, and then I came over to the youth department and became a youth leader, and then eventually I became a media director. I got busy with ministry and I LOVED it. I learn the highs and lows of ministry and learned a lot about myself such as my skills, my weakness and strengths, my gifts, and more.
Overall, there are more ways to get to know your purpose in God. It will take TIME. But the key thing is to continue to spend quality time with God by reading His word, worshiping Him, praying, and more. Continue being a great vessel for Him and continue serving Him with excellence. He will tell you in His timing whether it is through people, through a dream or vision, through prayer, or just telling you Himself. Do not get discouraged. There are many people who are trying to find their ultimate purpose in God.
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