“What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9(GNT)
God's plan will always be more rewarding than anything you could come up with on your own.
This is not just about rewards here on earth. That's part of it, but what’s even more amazing is that God’s plans are eternally rewarding.
Significance and satisfaction in this life come from following God's purpose and plan for you. But cooperating with God’s plan is also the key to rewards in heaven. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him” (GNT).
You cannot even imagine what God wants to do through you when you follow his plan. If God were to show you his plans, it would blow you away! You would be amazed at how he can use an ordinary person in extraordinary ways. But he wants you to choose his plan and his way of doing things. He wants you to choose him.
Some of our desires are good, but we all have broken desires. We will never know the best way until we choose God’s way.
Think about Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents. Before God revealed his grand plan to them, I’m guessing they had some simple but good plans: get married, have a family, serve God. But even those good plans couldn’t compare to what God wanted to do with their lives. When they submitted to God’s will, they discovered how big God’s plans really are—and how those plans can bless the whole world.
God’s plan is always better, and it’s often bigger than yours. If you’re not submitted to what God wants to do in your life, then you’re not thinking big enough. He’s got big things in store for you here on earth and even greater things in the life to come!
But the thing about God’s plan is that he lets you choose whether you’re going to follow it. A lot of people miss God’s best for their life because they choose to go with their own plan.
If you want to live a purposeful, fulfilling life, you can pray this simple prayer: “God, I want your will to be done in my life, not mine. Please show me the way that leads to your best for me so I can serve and love you well.”
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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