What is it that God has for me in the life that He has given me?
We can see clearly in scripture that God loves us. We can see clearly that He is and wants to be involved in every part of our lives. We see that God knows what is best for us and wants the best for us. Yet how often do we really spend time seeking Him?
Sure we pray. Sure we read His Word. His Spirit speaks. Are we listening? Are we ready to do what He says. God certainly has plans for us! Ephesians says He prepared good works in advance for us to do. But more than what we do and more than any good work, God is wanting our lives to be the best they can be. That sounds great, but sometimes what it means for us is not exactly what we envisioned.
We often take comfort in verses like Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
The Bible says you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah is writing to a people that are in captivity in Babylon. To a people being punished for their failure to listen to and follow the Lord! He confirms to them that His plan for them is good. That their captivity is not permanent though it is necessary. He wants them to seek Him with all their hearts ... that is to seek Him with an intent to do what it is He is calling them to...not just doing something but obedience for their own sakes.
Too often we say we want to seek God but when what He reveals to us what we need most ... well sometimes that is inconvenient, uncomfortable and frankly requires us to sacrifice things or ideas we would rather hold on to.
We sometimes call this growing. It is something that we all need and something that should never stops In fact, typically when something does stop growing it means that it begins to diminish and fade. There is always something new to learn. There is always something that can be improved. There are always areas in our lives that are in need of correction, reordering and reassessing.
Growing is a process and we have all heard about “growing pains”. Often we think that growing is just a matter of time and waiting but really there are some steps that need to happen in our lives if we are to grow in a way that is good, healthy and meaningful. It takes time, effort and intent. It means seeking God with all our hearts. Still to listen. Ready to obey. Prepared to trust.
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