The sermon series continued this week and the Scriptures were read. The entire chapter was read but two verses seemed amplified in my mind. I knew I would come back to them when time permitted me to do so.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
Since Sunday, I have gone back to read these verses and have been mulling them over in my mind. This is what has struck me:
- We cannot even conceive the things which God has planned for each of us. His plans exceed our imaginations. We cannot outdream God. Whatever we may have dreamed for ourselves, His dreams are bigger still.
- “For those who love him”… that is us. There is a plan and purpose designed for each of us. There is not one of us whom He does not have a plan.
- That plan is based on Ephesians 2:10 which tells us, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The plan for each of our lives has been prepared. It is good and will do good.
There is a plan and a purpose for each of our lives which has been designed to use our gifts, our talents and our personalities. Jenni Catron, in her newly released book Clout, puts it this way:
I’ve come to believe that when we make a careful exploration and are fully thriving in the work we’ve been given, we make God smile because “it is God who is at work in [us], both to will and to work for His good pleasure   (Philippians 2:13 NASB). He finds pleasure when we’re operating within his will and the work he’s given us.” (pages 151-152)
As we live out His plan for our lives, we find satisfaction and contentment. Life finds meaning. We are fulfilled.
And God smiles upon us with delight.
Be sure to enter my giveaway for the newly released book, Clout, here.
Today I am joining with … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Time Travel Thurs. and Thurs. Favorite Things and Thankful Thurs. and Thrive at Home and Thriving Thurs. and New Every Morning and Cozy Reading Spot and Doing You Well .
Ephesians 3:20 is one of my favorite verses. I need to check out Jenni’s book — sounds like a great read. Thanks for linking up at Thought-Provoking Thursday!
Lyli, it is a wonderful book & resource not only for leadership but for each one of us. We all have been given a measure of influence. It is such an encouraging book to remind us to grow & use that influence for His glory.
There is so much goodness here! I, especially, loved, “We cannot outdream God. Whatever we may have dreamed for ourselves, His dreams are bigger still.” I have some pretty audacious dreams, and to think that God dreams are bigger and better than mine is pretty crazy! Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us and for linking up at New Every Morning.
Kelsey, it is so true that we can think our dreams are so big, so daring. And yet, He has more for us. Reminds me to pursue His will above all else. So grateful to link with you & have you share with me as well. Have a great weekend!
Joanne,
I love the thought of God smiling, because we are doing the work He put inside of us 🙂 Blessings to you 🙂
Dolly, I love the thought that it is His work deposited into us. It all begins and ends with Him. Grateful that you shared with me!
God bless. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop . Big Hugs