“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future hope.’”
-Jeremiah 29:11
Many people miss the heart of the promise in Jeremiah. Many of us forget that this promise is about God’s plans. It’s doesn’t say anything about our plans. As we develop and think about our mission and purpose on earth, we often create our own plans and then ask God to bless them. But a mission that makes a real difference, that makes the very most of our lives, comes from seeking and following God’s plans.
If we want a life-changing, earth-shattering mission—if we want real purpose in our lives—we need to empty ourselves of our ambition and our own plans for our lives. In exchange, God gives each of us a life of meaning, peace and fruitfulness.
The first step in developing a good game plan is to determine who we really are—or should be—beyond the perceptions of the world and beyond the lure of who society says we should be. God puts passions and desires in your heart. Since He created you and He loves you, it stands to reason that God wants you to also enjoy and thrive in the mission He has for you. But your mission isn’t really about you. Your mission is about making the most of the time God’s given you for His purposes and glory. Scripture does not promise a life of ease or success. But we are given the offer of peace, meaning and efficacy if we wholeheartedly take on the mission God has for us. Scripture gives us clear direction on our mission while on earth.
Your mission in life must have two components to line up with Scripture. First, it must be concerned with knowing and loving God. Second, it must include reaching out to and loving other people. There are millions of different approaches to living out the mission God has given us, and we’re free to take the unique approach we believe God has put in our hearts.
While you may have a specific ministry in mind, you don’t have to come up with a complicated scheme or plan to live this mission out. You can grow in your love for God today and you can show His love to others in everything you do. You can become mission-minded and mission-focused at this very moment.
Devotional written by Tony Dungy and Karl Leuthauser.
1. Do you think your life matches the mission you believe God has for you? Why or why not?
2. What’s the most difficult part of finding and following God’s mission for your life?
3. What’s your next step toward living out a mission that matters?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Matthew 28:19-20
Hebrews 11:6