God’s plan for you is not just for you. His plan includes using you to help others in this world. He has a destiny for you!
God always works on more than one level, what he is doing in you, for your benefit, and what he’s doing through you, for the benefit of those around you.
Think about Joseph for a moment:
He had a dream that his family was bowing down to him. He thought the dream was about himself, but Joseph’s purpose was so much bigger. He would ultimately sustain the lives of not only his own family but so many other lives as well. (Genesis 50:20 – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives)
We often say, “If I’d only known then what I know now…” We can’t see the end. We may not even be able to see the next step, but if we trust God and believe in his word than you must believe Job 8:7 which says, ‘Though my beginning was small, yet thy latter end shall greatly increase’ and Jeremiah 29:11 that says ‘For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans for a hope and a future‘.
The Lord has a plan for you and even if it starts out small don’t be discouraged. It took twenty years for Joseph to fulfill his purpose. In that time, he dealt with struggles, pain, lies, heartache, loneliness, and lots of emotions. During that time God was shaping Joseph and preparing him for what was to come. He positioned him in the right place at the right time to fulfill God’s greater purpose.
You are on the path to your destiny. It may be tough, painful, and emotional but God is using this time to shape you into the person he intends for you to be. He is strengthening you, building your character and maybe even testing your faith. He needs a strong person to do His work. When you are facing trials remember James 1:2-4, ‘Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…‘
Your path of pain can be your place of preparation. When the road gets difficult, don’t look for a way out. Ask God to guide you through and teach you what you need to learn. He will walk through whatever it is with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Know that God is using your circumstances to prepare you for what lies ahead. Be encouraged that God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28)
This post was inspired by the book, “Now What: An honest look at following Jesus through difficult times.” by Scott Rodgers (affiliate link provided)