Does God’s Plan Feel Like a Mystery Novel?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Ever feel like God’s plan for our lives is a futile attempt to solve a mystery? Our days are spent looking for clues in everything we experience. Is this God’s plan for me? What does this Scripture passage mean? Is God listening to my prayers? Nights are worse because we replay and stumble through the day’s incidents with no conclusion.

You see, I’ve faced the same challenges. But we can turn that mystery into a satisfactory ending. Take a look at the following:

Who is the hero in our life story?

While we may be quick to think we are, that isn’t accurate. God is the hero in our life story. The glory all goes to Him. When we realize where we fit in the grand story of life, we can relax knowing our Hero has it under control.

Establish a problem or a goal.

How do we discern God’s plan for us? We have choices to make, places to go, and things to do. Can’t He simply send us a text?

Who is the secondary character in our life story?

That’s us. We are servants of the almighty God, not the other way around. When we resign ourselves to letting God take control, we can toss off our heavy backpacks of doubt and worry.

Who is the antagonist?

Think about it. Satan doesn’t want us to know and live God’s plan. The evil one is determined to push us in the wrong direction, distract, and discourage us. In short, he’d like for us to give up on God and find another solution to our problems that don’t involve God.

How does the plot thicken?

We hear lies, trip, fall, get back up, proceed, and it all repeats. While the victories give us momentary relief and assurance we’re headed in the right direction, the defeats can be painful. But the wounds and scars are how we grow closer into the image of Jesus Christ.

It can seem like God doesn’t care. Are we earnestly seeking Him as a priority instead of self-solving our mystery?

Search for clues.

Are we searching in the right places for God’s answer? Does what I need line up with God’s holiness?

Research Scripture, talk to respected Christians, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and be aware of God working in our lives.

• The first clue is John 9:31 ESV: We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.
• The second clue is Jeremiah 20:11-12 ESV: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
• The third clue is Matthew 7:8 ESV: For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
• The fourth clue is Psalm 145:18 ESV: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
• The fifth clue is Psalm 66:19 ESV: But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

And there are many more!

Take definite steps

We must constantly ask ourselves if we are following God’s path or one that may be good but not for us in this season.

Resolution

We accept a sovereign God will reveal His plan to us at the perfect time. On the journey we grow, worship, grasp patience, love others, cultivate a servant’s heart, and repeat our commitment to joy in all circumstances.

How do you move ahead when God’s plan feels like a mystery novel?