SO WHAT'S THE PLAN?

One of the big questions that we each confront at some point is this: Does God have a plan for my life and, if so, what does it look like? 

Understanding who we are and where we fit in, in the big scheme of things, concerns each one of us. Knowing what we were made for shapes our thoughts about our future, and our destiny. 

That’s why it’s so important to know who we are in this world, so we can lay hold of what God has planned for us… which is what this study series is all about.

So let’s begin at the beginning, with God’s original plan for who we are. 

“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air…’ So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:26–27 NKJV).”

See that? You and I were created in God’s own image. But then at some point we all rebelled against God. Adam did, Eve did, you did, and I did. And before we knew it, that original image, well… it’s as though a graffiti vandal took to it with a can of black spray paint and we lost sight of who we are.

That’s why so many of us wander around, knowing that life isn’t working; knowing that something’s missing… but we can’t quite put our fingers on it.

But that’s not the end of the story! In order to deal with this mess we find ourselves in, God has an amazing plan. Here it is: 

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son in order that he might be the firstborn in a large family (Romans 8:29).”

God’s destiny for those who love Him is that they once again become conformed to the image of His Son; that they would end up looking like Jesus. It’s the makeover to beat all makeovers!

Do you see now how knowing and understanding God’s plans sets us free? It’s like a new life, because that’s exactly why Jesus came – so you would be made into a new you… and walk in newness of life. Hallelujah!

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS 

• When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? How would you describe yourself? 
• To what extent do you live your life in the understanding that you’ve been created in the image of God? Read Genesis 1:26–27 for some context.
• Go back to the amazing plan for your life set out in Romans 8:28–29. What is God saying to you about His plan for your life? Have you been living out that plan?
• Take a moment to ask God to show you what sin is still marring your life and masking His image in you. Ask Him to show you what it is and what to do about it.