Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters. It's wonderful to have you all here today as we God’s plan for our lives. We are going to unpack Ephesians 1:11…

Here it is from The Passion Translation:

Through our union with Christ, we too have been claimed by God as his own inheritance. Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart.

Billy Graham once said, "The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us." This speaks volumes about our destiny in Christ. It's not just about God's plan for us, but also about the power of Christ that anchors our destiny.

Let's pray...

Dear Lord, we thank you for this bright day and the opportunity to gather in your name. We pray for your wisdom as we seek to understand your word today. Open our hearts, Lord, to discern your plan for our lives, to feel the power of Christ anchoring our destiny, and to live out our lives in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So let's open our hearts and explore this journey together, understanding how God has planned our destiny and how we can live it out through Christ Jesus.

God's Plan

God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has a specific plan for each of our lives. This plan is not a rigid blueprint but a dynamic journey that unfolds as we walk with Him. It is a journey that is unique to each of us, shaped by our individual experiences, gifts, and callings.

Our scripture in Ephesians 1:11 underscores this point beautifully. It tells us that even before we were born, God had already given us our destiny. This implies that our lives are not a series of random events but a purposeful journey orchestrated by God. Our destiny is not something that we have to strive to create or achieve on our own. It is a gift from God, a part of His grand design for the universe.

However, it's important to understand that God's plan for our destiny is not always about achieving worldly success or avoiding suffering. Sometimes, it involves going through trials and tribulations. The Bible is filled with stories of people like Job, Joseph, and Paul who faced immense suffering, but through it all, God's plan for their destiny was being fulfilled. These stories remind us that even in our darkest moments, God is working out His plan for our destiny.

God's plan for our destiny is also about becoming more like Christ. As we journey through life, God uses our experiences to shape us, mold us, and transform us into the image of His Son. This process is not always easy or comfortable, but it is an essential part of our destiny.

As Romans 8:29 says, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."

Furthermore, God's plan for our destiny is intricately connected with our service to others. We are not just passive recipients of God's plan; we are active participants in it. God has given each of us unique gifts and talents, and He wants us to use them to serve others and advance His kingdom. As we do this, we discover our true purpose and fulfill our destiny.

In the midst of all this, it's crucial to remember that God's plan for our destiny is not something that we can fully comprehend or control. It is a mystery that unfolds as we trust in Him and surrender to His will.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Our Anchor

But how can we be sure God will keep us on track? Our strength, stability, and assurance comes from being rooted in Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO