Day 20: My Sovereign God’s Design: Embracing His Divine Plan
Ephesians 1:11
It’s the age-old question—do we really have free will or are we predestined to fulfill God’s will? Too often we think the answer is at one end of the spectrum or the other, but somehow, as only God can do, the answer is, “Yes, it’s both.” We like neat, tidy boxes into which we pack our perfectly worded, thought-out answers. But God, in His perfect mystery, inhabits both spaces.
God’s plan is for us to enter His Kingdom as babes who have nothing to offer on our own but rather are fully dependent on Him for every aspect of our care and nurture. With this mindset, it is easy to accept our place of inheritance. Just as an infant has no way to choose a family of origin, when we come to the Kingdom as infants to be reborn into a new spiritual way of life, we place ourselves in a vulnerable position—just as Jesus willingly did for us in the physical realm.
Without the Spirit, none of this could make sense, but it is He who nurtures our souls according to the Father’s perfect plan for our lives, and as we yield to Him, He grows us and saturates us in God’s perfect love (Rom. 8:26-38; 1 John 4:7-21). Confident and content in His love alone, like babes receiving the perfect nourishment and care, we thrive and are ready to fulfill the purpose He places in us.
What a beautiful plan He has!
Reflection Prayer
Precious Lord, thank You for adopting us as sons and daughters—imperfect beings somehow fulfilling Your perfect plan. And just as an infant fails to feed perfectly, spitting up from time to time, we recognize that You don’t leave us hungry. Thank You for feeding our souls and holding us close to Your heart even through the messiness of our lives. May we find our confidence in Your love alone and may we yield to Your perfect plan today. May the lost and hungry world see in us that for which they are longing. To the praise of Your glorious name. Amen.
Week 3: The Sovereignty of God
Things don’t often go according to the ways that we want them to. Life is full of twists and turns. In times of unexpected changes, our faith in a sovereign God serves as a compass to guide us through uncertainty. We can steadfastly hold onto the Lord’s great plans as it makes a profound impact on directing our lives. He orchestrates our schedules, even with abrupt life redirections. Reflecting reveals His unseen control and thereby strengthens our faith. Trust in God’s sovereignty, despite disruptions, as He shapes your journey.
— Kevin Pies