Key 12: Live a Great Life!

So now it’s time to live! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD,‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Just as God spoke to Jeremiah about having a plan for Him, God also has plans for us as individuals. His Word teaches us that before we were born, He knew us. Living a great life is not accomplished through our own planning, but through walking out the plan that God already has for us. The issue is that if we want to know the best plans we could ever live, we have to go to God. He reveals these plans to us through His Word and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God has already established these plans, but it is just up to us to live them out.

God’s plans are always good for us and never meant to hurt us. Prosperity in the many different areas of life demonstrates that we are following God’s plans. Most of the pain in our lives demonstrates that we are out of God’s will and trying to live out our own plan. Even if we experience pain along with God’s plan, in the end it will be worth it because of the greater benefit of what God wants to achieve. God even uses times of trial to make us stronger, have greater faith and build character, which leaves us better off in the long run. pp. 103-104

One of the most exciting things that I began to experience as I committed to follow Jesus was that God had a more exciting plan for me than I could ever get for myself! This was incredible because I had lived a life where I totally went for it every day of my life, but it got emptier and emptier. I walked away from all of the things that I thought would make me happy but never did, to find out that it was in my relationship with Jesus where true adventure and fulfillment would be experienced.

Maybe your a million miles away from God right now or maybe you have a relationship with Jesus but life doesn't seem as good as it could be. Either way, let go of the past, let go of your plans and go for God's plans! You'll be glad you did!

Prayer: Lord, teach me to live a great life! Teach me to let go of anything and everything that is in the way of me walking out the plan and purpose that you created me for. Help me to keep growing in all areas of life so that I can achieve my destiny. I pray this in Jesus name - amen.

Overcoming the Enemy of Fear

Fear is your enemy. It will paralyze you and hold you back your entire life if you let it. Fear is not just an emotion, it is actually a spiritual thing. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind” (KJV). Fear is a spiritual issue and it is not God’s will for your life. The Spirit that God gives us results in power, love and self-discipline. This means the more you invite Jesus into your life, and allow Him to lead you in every area, the more you will experience power, love and self-discipline. God’s Word also says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:18).

This means that the more we grow and experience God’s love in our lives, the love of God “drives out fear”. You can stand up against fear and begin to walk in peace and confidence. Taking risks will no longer be scary. It may be uncomfortable to take risks but it will not be fearful. You will also learn to give yourself freedom to succeed. You will also open up the opportunity for failure, but it will be greatly reduced and you won’t put yourself into a position where you will experience devastating failure. Wounded Heart pp. 99-100

Risk taking should actually be an adventure in our lives. I love going after accomplishments that others say are impossible or won't even try to do. It is exciting to hear from God about what He wants to do and then go for it! I have learned to live without fear of failure. Even in failure, you can learn so much! When you follow God's leading, which is guided by His wisdom and love, fear is not even an issue.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to know and live in your love in a greater way! Please lead me into my purpose in a greater way guided by Your wisdom! I pray this in Jesus name - amen.