“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
God has plans for all of us. He built you and I to be who He wants us to be. We are all different and God made us that way, be who you are and let others be who they are. We are made to complement each other and work together for God’s good. Learn to work together and prosper in the plans the Lord has for you.
Each of us has our strengths and method of doing things, rather than try to change someone you are in a relationship with or working with, learn to utilize their ways to learn yourself or accomplish tasks together.
I am not saying it is okay to say that is the way I am so I am okay. The Lord goes on to tell Jeremiah, “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13
Seek Him and seek His will, just as Jesus did. Jesus often went before the Father seeking His will and gathering strength. This, the perfect One, teaching us how to have that relationship and see God’s plan for our life. “And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying ‘Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.’ And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven strengthening Him.” Luke 22:41-43
So it is not enough to simply make excuse for how you are, make sure you are in sync with the Father. It is okay to make your requests, but be open to His greater plan for you. Trust Him. On the other hand understand everyone else must seek the Lord to make changes in themselves. We cannot change them. It is okay to give Godly advice, but always ask them to seek the Lord’s wisdom.
Use each other to accomplish goals in life, help where you are strong and utilize the gifts of others to strengthen the plan. Jesus didn’t choose 12 disciples that were the same, He chose 12 men who had different perspectives to reach others. He did however push them out of their comfort zone, read about Peter. Move out of your comfort zone, but do it in the way God plans you to work. Style is not important, results are. Don’t criticize style, unless it is something ungodly or clearly against God.
Don’t put down, build up, just as God did Jeremiah. Some are good at coming up with ideas, honor that. Some are good at taking the idea and analyzing it and determining the feasibility of the idea, trust their study. Others are good at taking the idea to completion, maybe differently than you envisioned, trust them. Build up others in relation to their strengths and encourage, not put down, them in their weakness.
God made you who you are, be that person and resist the temptation to try to make another be like you or how you want them to be. Part of the process of becoming who God wants us to be is to see the kingdom of God and Jesus explains how, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 Jesus goes on in verse 5 to say we must also be born of the Spirit. Receive the indwelling of the Spirit of God to truly see His plan for you. Follow these plans and honor others who are seeking the same. If you do not know, seek Him.
Sometimes the pain we feel is because we are going against God. So be who God wants you to be and receive healing. Others may not like it, but you can have peace if you are in God’s perfect will.
God Bless
By Brian David Knapp Author and Columnist
Read Brian's columns at:
http://www.examiner.com/faith-and-culture-in-los-angeles/brian-knapp
Author of:
In The Hands Of The Father: My Life With God
Now available in ebook format:
Kindle
Nook Book
Google
If you prefer hard cover or paperback use the following links:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Xulon Press
If you cannot afford a copy email me at bdknapp@yahoo.com and I will get send you a copy of my writings contained in the book. God Bless.
Read Brian's columns at:
http://www.examiner.com/faith-and-culture-in-los-angeles/brian-knapp
Please read my other writings listed on the right of this page or read my columns. I periodically add writings in both places. My only goal is to share what it means to have a amazing relationship with God and how I have achieved that in the hope you to will be able to start on that path. It is a journey that I am still on, join me.
