A perfect plan

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

— Philippians 1:6 (AMPC)

I wonder how many times we’ve heard preachers say, “God has a plan for your life.” Usually we nod, maybe smile, and then go on our way. I’m not sure most of us truly believe it—or at least, our lives don’t reflect that we believe it.

Think about it for a minute: What does it mean that God has a perfect plan for us? Maybe it’s the word perfect that throws us off. We’re fal­lible and make so many mistakes; how could anything be perfect in our lives? We know ourselves too well, so we immediately think of our shortcomings and shake our heads, thinking there’s no way He can have a perfect plan for us. That’s a lie of the enemy! The plan isn’t perfect because we’re perfect—the plan is perfect because the One who made it is perfect, and He has a truly special plan for each of our lives.

Let’s see what He says about that plan. In the first verse from Philippians, Paul says that God saved us and started a good work in us, and His Spirit is still with us, nudging us forward. In Ephesians, Paul writes that we are God’s handiwork (or masterpiece). The two verses before that tell us that we’re saved by God’s grace alone—we have nothing to do with the act of salvation. He does it, and we receive it. We could never earn it or deserve it; we’re born into the kingdom of God as a pure gift when we believe.

As we think about God at work in us, we need to remind ourselves that, imperfect as we are, He is perfection. Nothing we could ever do would be good enough to satisfy God’s perfection. Only Jesus, the Perfect One, is good enough, which is why He gave His perfect life for us. Our faith in Him is the only thing that makes us acceptable to God (see Romans 5:1).

Paul also goes on to say that we’re saved through Jesus Christ so that we can do good works. God has prepared us for the kind of life He wants us to live, and His Word makes it clear how that life works.

It’s not that we’re perfect—or ever will be perfect—while we’re here on earth. The point is that He is perfect and has a plan for us that is perfect, because it comes from the Perfect Planner.

God holds out directions for a full, satisfying life, and His plan includes serving Him from a sincere heart. Our role is to align ourselves with that plan, which is shown clearly in His Word. Just like He told Joshua, God is telling us today,

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This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

- Joshua 1:8 (AMPC)

We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and His ability, not on ourselves and our inability. As soon as we say, “But wait! I’m not perfect! I fail,” we’ve taken our focus off of God and allowed Satan to distract us by focusing on our weaknesses. Our loving Lord pleads with us to turn our minds and hearts fully over to Him. The more we do that, the more completely we can live by His perfect plan, and the more space we give Him to work in our lives.

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to keep my focus on You and Your ability, not my lack of ability. Satan is constantly reminding me of my imperfections and my weaknesses, so please remind me of Your strength, Your love, and Your closeness so I can walk in freedom. Thank You for always being there for me and giving me what I need to fulfill Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ Name, amen.