Have you ruined Gods plan?
A brief look into Gods direction and redemption
You have not let God down, and you have not ruined the plan He has for you. God’s plans are his, and no human intervention could stop the work of God’s hand. As I aim to use Biblical examples, highlighting how God has led people’s lives, it is of vital importance to remember this message. You have not destroyed the plans God has for you beyond repair, and you have not disappointed him to the point where He has given up on you.
Firstly, you must learn to know God’s voice. John 10 gives us the famous verse: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. God’s voice is one of love, encouragement, and life. His voice is also convicting; so convicting that the word of God is described as a double-edged sword. It should be expected that the word of God will challenge us. After all, it is putting to death the sinful nature inside of us. Yet the difference between conviction and condemnation is stark. God convicts us to bring us closer to Him. The law of God was given to make us aware of how dirty we are, but by showing us how messy we are, Christ steps forward consistently offering to wash us clean. The parable of the prodigal son emphasizes this. A son who spurns his father and runs away is met by his father running out to meet him once he turns back. God’s word is convicting in order to lead us to repentance and life. It is also important to point out that God does not bring up past sins that have been forgiven when dealing with you. Psalm 103:12 says God removes our sins as far as the East is from the West. Geographically, this distance is endless! If you were to walk North, eventually you would hit the North Pole, and the compass would flip, and you would now be walking south. There is a finite distance between you and the North vs the South. If, however, you were to walk East on the compass, no matter how far you walk, the compass will always point East. God does not pull up past sins that have been forgiven to shame you.
I make these points because it is important you do not confuse the voice of God with the voice of the enemy. Satan is called the accuser, while Christ is called the defender. The enemy will whisper that we have ruined God’s plans for us, and He will no longer use us. God tells us that every word He speaks accomplishes its purpose, and has a history of using the most broken people to do some of the most miraculous things.
Philippians 1:6 tells us
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV
This verse should offer you immense hope as you spend time with God praying into your future and direction. Be confident, as it is written, knowing that He(God) who began the good work in you, will be the one to carry it on to completion. We know from the Bible that we all fall short of the glory of God, and the Holy Spirit living within us is calling us to look more like Christ. The consequence of this is that feelings of inadequacy make us feel that we are behind schedule or not doing enough.
John Newton, the man who wrote the song Amazing Grace, has a quote that my Grandfather used to say to me growing up. It goes"I am not the man I want to be, nor am I the man I ought to be, but I thank God I am not the man I used to be.“ God is at work and will be the one to bring the work He has started to completion. Do not worry, instead be obedient and seek his face. In fact this is a lesson we see the Israelites are made to learn as they wandered through the wilderness. Not focusing on the timing but on God.
22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses. Numbers 9:22-23 NIV
Move at the Lord’s pace, remaining in his presence. If your prayer is to be in God’s will, then trust He will keep you in it. Different seasons produce different fruit, so do not rush the Lord and his timing or operate in your own strength to force his hand for the next step. We all know the story of Abraham and his sons, and the consequence of his actions.
Your actions also will have consequences, but just as with Abraham, God is still able to redeem, after He has forgiven. Abraham’s distrust did not stop God from using him, and it did not change the plans God already had for him. 2 Timothy 2:13 says If we are faithless, He remains Faithful! Strive for righteousness. God calls us to be faithful, but God’s promises to you are not contingent on your ability to never make mistakes or attain perfection. God is perfect; you are not. The consequences of your actions are not beyond God’s foresight and can even be used for glory, as long as we repent and turn to the Lord. Jonah is a perfect example of this. Having attempted to run away to the complete opposite side of the known world, God’s presence brings conviction and repentance, which then leads the crew of the ship to glorify God, and God still using Jonah to reach the city of Nineveh.
16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Jonah 1:16 NIV
In conclusion, it is evident that God’s voice is one of loving correction. He is the one who wills us forward and will complete the work He started, and He also can redeem the consequences of our actions when we repent and turn to Him. Do not get discouraged that your life is not yet where you feel it is called to be. Continue pursuing the Kingdom, focusing on what God has called you to do today, and He will be the one to lead you into tomorrow.
God bless.