God Has a Plan for Your Life: Discovering the Purpose You Were Created For

Hi Friends, I want to talk with you today about something that I know will encourage your heart. Let me ask you…do you know what God’s plan is for your life? 

You’ve probably heard that many times from pastors, teachers, or friends. But maybe you’ve wondered, “If that’s true, why do I have such a hard time discovering it — and living in it?” 

Today, we’re going to look at what God’s Word says about His plan for your life, how you can walk in it, and how it will bring you peace, fulfillment, and joy. So let’s dive into His Word together. 

In Jeremiah 29:11, we find one of the most beloved verses in Scripture that gives us such comfort and confidence. It says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 

Friends, do you know that before you were even conceived, God already had your life mapped out. He knew exactly what His design for your life would be and how your life would best bring glory and honor to Him. You, my Friend, were created for a specific purpose, and for this specific time in history. 

The best thing to do when you begin to seek His plan is to ask Him for direction, and then walk it out in obedience. I can tell you for a fact that life becomes far more meaningful when you live in obedience to His plan. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling, because you’re walking in sync with your Creator. 

Unfortunately, many of us try to serve God in reverse. We choose something that feels good or seems profitable, and then we ask God to bless our plans. I’ve known people who have served for years in ministries that never truly fit them. So they went through the motions, week after week, with no joy, no fulfillment — simply because it was what was expected of them. Friends, that is not what God wants for you! 

Let me share a story from my own experience. I once served as Sunday School Director in a small church. The Church Treasurer — who was also the wife of a deacon — had been in that position for 15 years. And she controlled everything that happened in that church, because she held the checkbook. Then, at one time, due to conflict within the church, she decided not to continue in that role anymore. 

After that, for the first time, she started attending Sunday School, and I soon realized she had an incredible gift for teaching. When I first asked her to lead a women’s Sunday School class, she said no, because she was hurt. But then, a few weeks later, she came to me and asked if the position I had offered her was still open. Friends, I want to tell you, she stepped into that role, and it completely transformed her whole attitude. She became joyful, fulfilled, and thriving in her new ministry. All those years she held a position of power, but she didn’t have peace. But once she began walking in God’s purpose for her life, she found true joy. 

From the very beginning of time, God has been a Master Planner. We see it in the very first scripture. Genesis 1:1 reads: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Then He designed every detail of the earth and the universe. He created the air we breathe, the oceans, the stars, and every living creature. 

And then, in Genesis 1:26–27, we see the account of when God finished His crowning work, man and woman. It says:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” And after God created mankind, He declared it was all good. And so it was! 

Isn’t that amazing? Friends, God doesn’t create anything without a purpose. And when He was forming you in your mother’s womb, He already envisioned your life and His plan for you. 

We see throughout Scripture that God had specific plans for His people. 

In Luke 1:13–17 we find that the angel told Zacharias about the birth of John the Baptist:

“Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John… For he will be great in the sight of the Lord… and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

We see in these scriptures that before John was even born, God already had a divine assignment for him. 

In Jeremiah 1:4–5, we find that Jeremiah also heard God say this:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

And in Psalm 139:13–16, King David wrote about how intimately God knew him:

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made… Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

Each of these people discovered the same truth…that God had a plan for their lives, long before they even took their first breath. 

Sadly, many people today live without any clear direction. They react to life’s circumstances, instead of being led by God; while others plan out every detail of their future…education, career, family…only to discover that life rarely unfolds the way they wanted or expected it to. 

Proverbs 14:12 proclaims:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” 

Friends, I have found that there’s a better way…God’s way. Through many hardships, I have found that when we surrender our lives completely to Him, He begins to lead us step by step into the destiny He designed for each of us individually. And let me tell you from personal experience…there’s nothing more fulfilling than living in the center of God’s will. 

For many years, I worked in administrative roles where I had to plan everything in advance. I was organized, detail-oriented, and used to being in control. And when I tried to plan the way I wanted my life to go, my plans would usually end in total failure. But when I finally came to the place of completely surrendering my life to the Lord, then He began to show me that often, His directions come one day at a time and not months in advance! At first, it was very frustrating. But I’ve learned that when I stop trying to control my life, and simply trust that God will lead me in the way that He wants me to go, things go so much smoother. His plans are always perfect, but mine fall apart every time. 

So, let me ask you: Are you doing what you do for the Lord out of joy — or are you just doing it out of obligation? Maybe because someone you look up to asked you to do it? 

Remember Friends, God personally shaped you for His plan and His purpose. The Creator of the Universe bent down, took a handful of clay, and formed you with His own hands. He breathed His life into you, and He had a vision for who you would become. And…He still holds that vision in His heart today, but He’s waiting for you to let go of your own plans, and embrace His. 

So you may be asking, “How can I find God’s plan?” 

Start by praying right now and telling God that you will lay everything at His feet — your hopes, dreams, and your plans. Open your heart completely to whatever He chooses to do in your life. And, as you surrender your life to Him, He will begin to open doors for you, He will bring divine connections into your life, and He will lead you step by step into the fulfillment of His plan for your life. And...You might just be surprised where He will take you…but take it from someone who is STILL amazed at the things God has allowed me to do…you will never regret it! 

Friends, there’s no life like a surrendered life. When you give God full permission to lead you, you’ll find peace, rest, and purpose like you never imagined. 

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29:

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 

That’s the kind of rest He’s inviting you into…not striving, not struggling, but resting in His perfect plan and His ability to fulfill His plan in you, and through you. The things that you are not able to do, He is more than able.

 I’d like to pray with you right now if I may. Would you bow your heads with me?

 Heavenly Father, thank You for caring so deeply about us that You created each of us with a special plan and purpose in Your mind. Thank You for being a loving Father who knows exactly what’s best for each of our lives.

 Today Lord, we surrender everything…our dreams, our plans, and our desires…and we place them in Your hands. Lead us, Lord. Help us to walk boldly in the path You’ve designed for us. Let Your purpose be fulfilled in our lives, and may we bring glory and honor and praise to You in all we do and say. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus…Amen.

 Thank you for spending this time with me, Friends. I pray this message has encouraged you to trust God’s plan more deeply.

 If it blessed you, please share it with someone who needs this same reminder today. And remember: God hasn’t forgotten you. His plan is unfolding, step by step, in His perfect time.

 Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and your heart open to His leading. God bless you. Bye for now…