What Is God's Plan for My Life?Chikamu

Better to Suffer for Doing Good…

It has often been said, “there’s no safer place than in the center of God’s will.”

While true in a spiritual sense, I doubt the people of Israel felt very safe when Pharaoh retaliated against Moses. Not only did Pharaoh double their brick quota, but he also stopped providing the necessary straw. In very real ways, obeying God made life harder.

This goes against our standard logic. We like to assume that God will “open doors” and “confirm” our calling with success. But obeying God doesn’t guarantee a comfortable life. Life might get harder.

Look at how the Apostle Paul described his life after he began following Christ.

“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

That’s pretty tough.

Thankfully, I and my fellow missionaries at FamilyLife have never had it that bad. But following God’s calling hasn’t always been easy either. Some of my colleagues have been disowned by family members for “throwing away a good career.” Others have struggled financially, with health issues, their marriages, and wayward children.

Yet, like the Apostle Paul, we all still believe that a hard life shared with Jesus is better than a comfortable life without Him.

If you are pursuing His purpose by walking intimately with Jesus, you don’t need to be afraid of persecution or missing “God’s best” for you because HE is the best! - The Holy Spirit living inside of you.

Since making that initial move to Little Rock, AR, I’ve gotten married, had two kids, bought a home, changed roles, and moved again. I’ve made a lot of big life decisions, and I’ve made them with very little agony. Not little prayer or seeking wisdom from mentors, but little agony because I know my calling is to walk intimately with Jesus. The rest is up to Him.

Pray: Lord, thank you for loving me enough to send your Son to die for my sins so that we could be reconciled to you. Please help me to recognize that your will for me is to be more like your Son. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit, and guide my steps today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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