The more we read God’s word and become self-aware, the easier it is to find areas we lack as Christians. For me, I’m constantly reminded of the gospel – reminded of the fact that I am a sinner saved by grace, and that God sent His only son into the world to die for someone like me. And on the third day, He rose from the dead so that I could have eternal life with him.

I remember when I was a junior in college. It was day 11 on campus, and I was already being hit with challenges. I had  made religion an idol in my life. I looked towards it for works, for a community that filled my voids, and completely missed God in the process. Don’t get me wrong. God wants us to live in community, but not at the cost that He loses His place in the center.

The church is full of broken people who are aiming to serve God. They’re not going to perfect, and to have that expectation only leads to disappointment. This world including the Church isn’t going to have everything we need because we live in a fallen world. It’s not until we get to heaven that we’ll be without lack. But we have to learn to trust God, and trust the pastors He has called to lead in ministry. You can always test the Holy Spirit to make sure it is God who is speaking.

Getting off that mini soap box, but around this time, I had begun to become so focused on “God’s will.” I know that sounds weird, but I was doubting every decision I made. Was it God’s will to be in a relationship? Was it God’s will to become a doctor? Does God want me to be with someone else? Does God have someone better for me? Am I just settling and not waiting for God’s best? Should I apply for this job? Should I apply to this school? Am I doing the right thing?

It’s true, God wants you to focus on a relationship with Him, but sometimes we forget the freedom God has given us to choose. What a blessing that is! What a lack of trust if we constantly question how exactly He is going to lead us. We cannot let the devil mask what we think is our asking about God’s will when it’s really a failure to surrender control over our lives.

We focus so much on trying to figure out God’s grand plan that we completely miss the beauty of His grace. As long as we acknowledge that He is Lord, give Him our worries, live our lives to the best of our ability, and repent for our sins in the process, then we can make our own decisions. We should be able to trust that He will lead us and guide us along paths, and protect us from danger (Proverbs 2:8).

As humans, we create so much anxiety for ourselves. We try to make God, religion, our relationships, and our circumstances so complex when God saved us from our sins so that we can simply live free. Sometimes, we’ll have to go through hardships and we’re going to mess up because we are sinners, but we have to remember Proverbs 19:21 and 23.

21. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
23. The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.  

I get two things out of those verses.

Make Decisions

Through God’s grace, His plan for us will ultimately happen. Unless the Holy Spirit is screaming at you to get your attention for something, God is more than accepting of us to happily live our lives. This does not mean you should willingly sin because God will forgive you. God knows all things and looks at the intentions behind your decisions, but we can trust that everything will work out because we love and fear Him.

Fear the Lord

That brings me to my second point. We must fear the Lord. What does that look like? I’m still learning myself, but I think it means that we live in accountability to God. I’m reminded of Matthew 6:33 where it says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” That means we acknowledge God first, and choose to live in a way that ultimately glorifies Him. After that, rest in grace. What a valuable promise that is from Him!

God can do more with someone who is willing to acknowledge that He is in control than He can with someone who thinks they can handle it all by themselves. It is in our weaknesses that God best shows who He is. When we are weak, then we are made strong (1 Corinthians 12:9-10). So when you’re getting overwhelmed with the way your life will work out, just remember that you are a sinner saved by grace, living in grace, and loved unconditionally. You may make mistakes or take detours, but God is sovereign. What an awesome and holy God we serve.

Can I end in a prayer?

Thank you, God for your insight. Thank you for your love and especially your grace. Thank you for the plans you have for us. Thank you for the meaningful time we can spend together. Thank you for your goodness, and the freedom you’ve given us. Thank you for your Son, and our constant reminder that the gospel is real, that you are real, and that we can live our lives with contentment. You are the true and living King, and we acknowledge your presence. We love You and honor You. You are so worthy. Amen.

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