Aligning Our Lives with God's Good Plan
Summary
God’s heart for each of us is not confusion, frustration, or a life spent chasing after things that ultimately don’t matter. He has a plan—a good plan—for every person, a plan to prosper us, not to harm us, to give us hope and a future. Yet, it’s easy to drift into living reactively, justifying our own ways, and assuming that every plan we have is automatically God’s plan. Scripture challenges us to roll our works onto the Lord, to commit our plans to Him, and allow Him to shape our thoughts and desires so that our lives are established in His will and not just our own ambitions.
God’s plan is not just about our comfort or personal success. It’s about aligning our hearts with His purposes, which always involve loving Him and loving others. When we pursue love—when we pursue God Himself—He causes all things to work together for our good. This doesn’t mean life will be free from storms or disappointments, but it does mean that, in the end, our lives will have eternal significance and joy if they are built on the foundation of obedience to Him.
Dissatisfaction often creeps in when we’re out of step with God’s will, even if everything looks good on the outside. True joy and rest come from being where God wants us, doing what He’s called us to do, whether that’s in our job, our church, or our relationships. Even in difficult or unfair circumstances, like Joseph in Egypt or the slaves Paul addressed in Ephesians, God calls us to serve wholeheartedly as unto Him, trusting that He sees, He rewards, and He is working out His purposes.
Building a life of eternal value means seeking God’s will above our own, forsaking our ways and thoughts for His higher ways. It’s possible to build a spectacular life in the world’s eyes and yet have it count for nothing in eternity if it’s not built according to God’s blueprint. The only way to know and walk in God’s plan is through prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, who helps us when we don’t know what to do or how to pray. As we humble ourselves, seek God, and obey, He establishes our plans, fills us with joy, and uses our lives to touch others for His kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Plan Is Good, But Not Automatic
God’s plans for us are always for our good, to prosper us and give us hope, but they are not automatically fulfilled just because we desire them. We must intentionally seek, trust, and align ourselves with His will, rather than assuming our own plans are interchangeable with His. This requires humility and a willingness to let go of our own justifications and preferences. [45:56]
- Pursuing Love Aligns Us With God’s Will
When we’re unsure of our next step or God’s plan, the surest path is to pursue love—because God is love. As we focus on loving God and others, our motives are purified, and we find ourselves in the flow of His purpose, even when circumstances are uncertain or challenging. This pursuit brings clarity, peace, and a sense of God’s favor working in our lives. [48:12]
- Dissatisfaction Is Often a Sign of Being Out of God’s Will
A restless or disgruntled spirit, whether in church, work, or relationships, can be a sign that we’re not where God wants us or not doing what He’s called us to do. Rather than blaming circumstances or people, we should examine whether we’re truly following God’s leading. Joy and refreshing come from being in the center of His will, even if it means making difficult changes. [58:03]
- Obedience in Difficult Places Brings God’s Blessing
Even in unfair or unwanted situations, like Joseph’s slavery or a job we dislike, God calls us to serve wholeheartedly as if serving Him. Our attitude and faithfulness in these places can be the very thing God uses to position us for greater purpose and blessing. The reward comes not from the circumstances, but from God, who sees and honors our obedience. [01:04:24]
- Eternal Value Comes From Building on God’s Foundation
It’s possible to build a life that looks impressive but is ultimately empty if it’s not built according to God’s plan. Only what is done in obedience to Him will endure the test of eternity. Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit are essential to discovering and walking in God’s purpose, ensuring our lives carry eternal weight and significance. [01:18:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[41:03] - Celebrating Easter & Church Growth
[42:30] - God’s Plans: Hope and a Future
[44:30] - Misunderstanding God’s Plan in Hard Times
[45:56] - Weighing Our Motives and Justifications
[48:12] - Pursuing Love and God’s Will
[49:51] - All Things Work for Good for Those Who Love God
[51:48] - Joy and Rest in the Will of God
[54:29] - Dissatisfaction and God’s Placement
[58:03] - Personal Story: Obeying God’s Call
[59:22] - Doing God’s Will in Difficult Circumstances
[01:04:24] - Joseph: Faithfulness in Adversity
[01:09:45] - God’s Ways Are Higher
[01:13:28] - Building a Life That Lasts
[01:18:55] - Eternal Rewards and True Success
[01:22:44] - Prayer: Discovering God’s Will
[01:26:05] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building a Life on God’s Plan
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### Bible Reading
- Jeremiah 29:11
“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.”
- Proverbs 16:2-3
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
- Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God have for His people? How does this compare to the way people often talk about God’s plan during hard times? ([41:03])
2. In Proverbs 16:2-3, what does it mean that “the Lord weighs the spirits”? What does the passage say will happen if we commit our works to the Lord? ([45:56])
3. Romans 8:28 says that “all things work together for good” for a certain group of people. Who are they, and what does it mean to be “called according to His purpose”? ([49:51])
4. The sermon mentioned that dissatisfaction can be a sign of being out of God’s will. What are some examples the pastor gave of this happening in church or life? ([54:29])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor said that God’s plan is not automatically fulfilled just because we want it. What does it look like to intentionally seek and align with God’s will, rather than just assuming our plans are His? ([45:56])
2. Why does pursuing love help us find God’s will, especially when we’re confused about our next step? How does loving God and others keep us in the flow of His purpose? ([48:12])
3. The sermon talked about serving “as unto the Lord” even in unfair or unwanted situations, like Joseph or the slaves in Ephesians. What does it mean to serve wholeheartedly in a place you don’t want to be, and why does God honor that? ([01:04:24])
4. The pastor said it’s possible to build a spectacular life in the world’s eyes but have it count for nothing in eternity. What does it mean to build your life on God’s foundation, and how can someone know if they are? ([01:13:28])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said it’s easy to drift into living reactively and justifying our own ways. Can you think of a time when you assumed your plan was God’s plan without really asking Him? What would it look like to “roll your works onto the Lord” in that area? ([45:56])
2. When you feel confused or unsure about God’s will, the sermon encouraged you to pursue love. Is there a relationship or situation right now where you need to focus on loving God or loving someone else, even if you don’t know the next step? ([48:12])
3. Have you ever felt dissatisfied or restless in your job, church, or relationships? Looking back, do you think it was because you were out of step with God’s will? What practical steps could you take to seek God’s direction in that area? ([54:29])
4. The pastor shared about obeying God’s call even when it meant leaving comfort behind. Is there something you sense God might be asking you to do that feels difficult or risky? What’s holding you back from obeying? ([58:03])
5. Think about a place in your life where you feel stuck or treated unfairly (like Joseph or the slaves in Ephesians). How could you change your attitude to serve “as unto the Lord” in that situation this week? ([01:04:24])
6. The sermon said that only what is done in obedience to God will last for eternity. Are there things you’re building in your life (career, possessions, reputation) that might not have eternal value? What’s one change you could make to focus more on God’s purpose? ([01:13:28])
7. The pastor emphasized prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit to discover God’s plan. How is your prayer life right now? What’s one way you could make prayer a bigger part of your decision-making this week? ([01:22:44])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person seek His will, obey His leading, and build a life that has eternal value.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God’s Good Plan Beyond Our Own Desires
God’s plan for each person is inherently good, designed to prosper and give hope for the future. However, this plan is not automatically fulfilled simply because we want it or assume our own plans align with God’s will. It requires intentional seeking, humility, and surrender to God’s guidance. When we release our justifications and preferences, we open ourselves to His perfect design, which may differ from our immediate desires but ultimately leads to true flourishing. Trusting God means actively committing our plans to Him and allowing Him to shape our thoughts and actions. [45:56]
This trust is not passive but involves a daily choice to align ourselves with God’s will rather than our own ambitions. It challenges us to examine our motives honestly and to be willing to let go of control. God’s good plan is a foundation of hope, but it requires faith and obedience to walk in it fully.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Reflection: What is one personal plan or desire you have been holding tightly to that might need to be surrendered to God’s higher wisdom today? How can you practically begin to release control over it?
Day 2: Pursuing Love as the Compass for God’s Will
When uncertainty clouds the path ahead, the surest guide is to pursue love—love for God and love for others. Because God is love, focusing on this pursuit purifies our motives and aligns our hearts with His purposes. Even amid challenges or unclear circumstances, love becomes the lens through which we discern God’s direction. This pursuit brings clarity, peace, and a sense of God’s favor, helping us to trust that all things are working together for good. [48:12]
Love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment that shapes decisions and relationships. As we prioritize loving God and others, we find ourselves in the flow of His will, even when the future seems uncertain. This alignment transforms our perspective and empowers us to move forward with confidence and joy.
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Reflection: In what specific relationship or situation can you intentionally choose to demonstrate God’s love today, trusting that this will guide you closer to His will?
Day 3: Recognizing Restlessness as a Sign to Recalibrate
A spirit of dissatisfaction or restlessness often signals that we are out of step with God’s will, even if outward circumstances appear favorable. This discontent invites us to pause and examine whether we are truly where God wants us and doing what He has called us to do. Instead of blaming external factors, the call is to seek God’s leading and be willing to make difficult changes if necessary. True joy and refreshing come from being centered in God’s purpose, which may require courage to realign our lives. [58:03]
This restlessness is not meant to discourage but to redirect. It is an invitation to deeper obedience and trust, knowing that God’s placement is for our ultimate good. When we embrace this process, even challenges become opportunities for growth and renewed peace.
Lamentations 3:40
“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”
Reflection: What area of your life currently feels restless or unsatisfying? How can you prayerfully seek God’s guidance to discern if a change is needed to align with His will?
Day 4: Faithfulness in Hard Places Unlocks God’s Blessing
Obedience in difficult or unfair circumstances is a powerful testimony of faith. Like Joseph in Egypt or the slaves Paul addressed, serving wholeheartedly “as unto the Lord” transforms even unwanted situations into platforms for God’s blessing and purpose. The reward for faithfulness does not come from the circumstances themselves but from God, who sees every act of obedience and honors it. This perspective empowers believers to persevere with hope and integrity, trusting that God is working behind the scenes. [01:04:24]
Serving faithfully in hardship is not easy, but it positions us for greater purpose and blessing. It requires a heart focused on God rather than immediate comfort, knowing that God’s ways are higher and His timing perfect. This obedience builds character and eternal significance.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Reflection: Identify one challenging situation where you can choose to serve with wholehearted obedience today. How can you shift your perspective to see this as serving God rather than just enduring hardship?
Day 5: Building a Life That Endures Eternally
It is possible to construct a life that appears impressive by worldly standards but lacks eternal value if it is not built on God’s foundation. Only what is done in obedience to Him will withstand the test of eternity. Prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential to discern and walk in God’s purpose. As we humble ourselves, seek God, and obey, He establishes our plans, fills us with joy, and uses our lives to impact others for His kingdom. [01:18:55]
This eternal perspective calls for intentionality in every decision and relationship, prioritizing God’s blueprint over temporary success. It challenges believers to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer, humility, and obedience, trusting that true success is measured by faithfulness to God’s will.
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
Reflection: What is one daily habit or practice you can adopt to deepen your dependence on the Holy Spirit and ensure your life is built on God’s eternal foundation?
Quotes
``He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and so shall your plans be established and succeed. That's what we want. We want the things that we execute, the things that we go out and do, the plans that we have, we want them to be established and we want them to be successful. And right here, the writer of Proverbs, Solomon, he was one of the, at the time and probably still the smartest man who has ever lived. And he's writing this, I believe, straight from the heart of God. And he's figured something out. He's figured out that I've justified a lot of things and it hasn't really worked out for me. But if I'll just roll my works over upon the Lord, if I'll just commit them wholly to Him, He will cause my thoughts to become agreeable to His will. And then my plans that I have are going to be in line with His will and I'm going to establish those and they're going to be successful. I wrote this out. It says, don't mistake every plan that you have for your life to be interchangeable and agreeable with the Lord's plan for you. Come on. [00:46:25] (62 seconds)
So you can get that like, I don't know if I'm called to a purpose or not. You are called to his purpose, not just a purpose, but his purpose. And it says if you love him, if you love God, if you pursue loving God and pursue the love of God and pursue walking in the love of God, then it says right here that all things are going to work together for your good. [00:49:31] (22 seconds)
Cause I've seen people be completely dissatisfied with their church and with their pastor and the pastor is really not doing anything wrong. The church didn't really do anything wrong. It's just that you're not called to be in that place. And if you would just search God for a little while and figure out where you're supposed to be, you'd be a whole lot happier. Why? Because he's called us all to individual houses of worship, but we're all a part of the kingdom of God. Amen. It's the same way in your own life. You can be dissatisfied and that dissatisfaction may not be that you don't have enough money. That dissatisfaction may not be that you don't have the car you want or the house you want or the wife you want or the kids you want. It could be simply that you're not following after God's plan for your life and you're dissatisfied. [00:54:52] (37 seconds)
But when we obey God, even if it's a hard thing to do, even if it's something that is, uh, you know, on one hand it was, it was a weird place to be because on one hand I could see all the joy that I would have coming back. But on the other hand, I could see all the sorrow I was going to have by, by, by, I get attached to people in case you haven't realized. [00:58:17] (18 seconds)
But Paul is talking about him being in the will of God, and he said that it gives him the ability to come to that church with joy in the will of God. So he's in the will of God. That brings him joy to be addressing them. And he says, I find refreshing and rest in your company. [00:59:02] (21 seconds)
But if we're going to do things the way the Bible says do them, and we put ourself under authority of that person, when you work for somebody, when you work for a company, you put yourself under authority of that company and that business. And you can make things better for yourself, or you can make things worse for yourself. If you really don't like it that much, then you can begin to pray God and say, God, is this the will of God for me to be here? And if it's not, then you pray that the will of God puts you, that you get in the will of God and go where you need to go. But in the meantime, even if you are out of the will of God, the way to get back in the will of God first off is to do what Paul's saying right here. You need to go find that verse, and before you walk into that job every day, you need to quote that over yourself. I'm going to do this as I'm serving the Lord today. I'm going to do this heartily. I'm not going to do it with eye service, being a man pleaser, but I'm going to do it as if I was doing it unto the Lord. Because I know that when I do the right thing with the right motives, that whatever good I do, I'm going to receive a reward from the Lord, whether I'm a slave or whether I'm free here. It's all in my mind. [01:02:54] (61 seconds)
But yet we go to a job every day. We go to a volunteer position every day. We wake up in our own homes every day, and we feel enslaved to that and we feel beat down by that and we feel like there's no purpose and we're all disgruntled. Listen, get over yourself and begin to do everything that you do wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. [01:07:26] (18 seconds)
And I'm going to love God in my home. I'm going to love God at my job. I'm going to love God in my community. I'm going to love God in my volunteer positions. I'm going to be someone that is seen as loving God and doing everything that I'm asked to do or told to do or made to do as if I'm doing them to the Lord. Why? Because I want to be in the will of God because somebody that's in the will of God is someone who's going to have real joy, real rest, and real refreshing in their life. Amen? Is this okay? [01:07:50] (30 seconds)
You'll never reach full potential or experience the full blessing of God in your life if you don't walk in the light of his purpose for you. God's full blessing and full measure of faith and anointing of the Holy Spirit on your life can only come on his plan and his purpose for your life. [01:08:59] (18 seconds)
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