» What am I to do with my life? 

» What does God want me to do?

» Which way does God want me to go?

» What should I do next?

If you have asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. In fact, Dr. Charles Stanley, renowned pastor and best-selling author, has said that questions revolving around the will of God are the questions he is asked most often.

God’s got a plan for your life and mine, too, and He’s got as many plans as He’s got people. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” How does that sound?

BUT Satan’s got plans for my life too—and I want to be wise enough to know which plans to choose.

If I plan my day to include reading God’s Word, I’ll soon realize that His will and plan for my life are right there—in the Bible. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible will show us which way to go.

God’s moral will for you and me is certainly revealed in the Bible, and He will never lead you or me to do anything that’s in conflict with His moral will. For example, God’s not going to lead us to cheat on our income taxes to have more to give to the church.

The Bible is filled with principles of what will happen if we do certain things. Consequences will follow. As Christians, when we sin and ask forgiveness, God forgives, though the consequences of our actions may remain.

When I’m trying to decide whether to do something or not, I have to ask myself, “Is this a wise thing to do?” And God’s still small voice has replied many times, “No.”

Now for the hard part. God’s will for your life and mine may sometimes involve waiting. Dr. Charles Stanley defines waiting as “remaining in our present circumstances for further instruction.”

I don’t like to wait in lines at a drive-thru, bank, fast food restaurant, stoplight, or a grocery store check-out. Why should I be willing to wait when Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will guide you with my eye.” When I say, God, will you give me the answer NOW?, He may say, WAIT.

God wants us to know what He wants us to do. We know His timing is perfect, and we know He keeps His promises. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

I believe it.

How about you?

Betty Sue McNeill loves God, her family, and seeing people accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. She is married to Ron McNeill, has two children, and seven grandchildren. She is a UNC graduate and has worked as Director of Women’s Ministries at Grace Chapel in Sanford, North Carolina.

Betty Sue has written four children’s books: The Runaway Grocery Cart, The Banner Hung Over America, The Most Special Christmas Tree, and The Reindeer with a Special Need. Her latest publications are Everyday Blessings, a daily devotional calendar, and the children’s book, The Little Gray Dog, which addresses the issue of bullying and will be out this spring. For more information, send a text to 919-770-9183.