Embracing God's Master Plan

Becoming like Jesus became a more significant goal when I grasped the fact that this was also God’s goal for us. Paul clearly states in Romans 8:29 that God’s plan from the very beginning was to shape us into the image of Christ. The more I comprehended God’s love and wisdom in this masterful and worthy plan the more I realized my need to embrace it. As I considered the impact of God’s plan to mold me into the image of Christ, I identified four truths that can truly make a difference in our lives when we accept and abide by his purpose for us.

1. Our lives find meaning and purpose as we understand that God wants to conform us to Christ.
2. When we know God’s ultimate plan and his power to accomplish his purpose, we can accept and respond to the things that happen in our lives instead of spending our days resisting and reacting.
3. As we accept God’s plan and yield to his Spirit within, we will experience his strength and peace when encountering trials and difficulties in this uncertain world.
4. Trusting God in all circumstances frees us and gives us confidence that God is working all things together for our good—which is to become like Jesus. As Dwight L. Moody reportedly said: “Give your life to God; he can do more with it than you can.”

After a recent painful fall, a friend asked what the Lord was teaching me. With a smile I replied: “Life is not lived on my terms.” Certainly God’s plan is the highest and the best, but it is not always what we would choose. As pastor and author, J. R. Miller, observed: “The success or non-success of our early plans is of very little consequence in comparison with the building up of Christ-likeness in our souls.”1

Yielding to God’s plan is crucial in receiving the grace, strength, and peace that only the Lord can provide as we surrender to his molding process. My conformity to Christ is still very much in progress. I must continue to guard against pride, impatience, and complacency. I can never presume that my past walk with God will carry me through the present. My ability to reflect his character comes only through a daily walk with him in which I submit my thoughts, actions, and plans to his will. I am humbled at the thought of becoming like Jesus and this divine goal encourages me not only to accept his purpose for me, but to desire it.

The best Christian is he who most reminds the people with whom he lives of the Lord Jesus Christ.2 - George Hodges

Prayer

Father, I give myself to you for your purpose to be fulfilled in my life. May I leave a sweet fragrance of Christ with any family members, friends, or strangers I might encounter. I want to be to others what you are to me. Amen.

1.J. R. Miller, In Green Pastures, Daily Readings for Every Day in the Year (Fearn Scotland: Christian Focus, 2005), December 26.

2. George Hodges, quoted in Joy and Strength, comp. Mary Wilder Tileston (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1929), August 5.