Psalm 139:16
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
An intentional life has purpose, discipline, and vision. With these words in mind let’s begin exploring what it means to live an intentional life.
Why is an intentional life an important issue?
If we do not have an agenda for our lives, one will be provided for us—either by the events of life itself, or by other people. It means that we are taking control and determining how we will live our lives and spend our time, energy, and resources.
I. GOD HAS A PLAN
God’s plan was mapped out before the world began. God’s plan was mapped out before the world began. God’s plan includes all areas of life. We live compartmentalized lives. We have our… Home life, Spiritual life, Work life, Recreational life, School life, Etc.
But with God, there is no distinction between the different areas of our lives. He’s concerned with all of it. So, we see that God’s purpose was mapped out before the world began and it involves all areas of life. God’s plan is certain to be accomplished.
II. GOD HAS A WILL
Every life has a part in God’s will. Generally—God’s will is that people have a relationship with him. For those who are not Christians, He wants them to know Him. For those who are Christians, He wants them to grow and mature in their spiritual lives. Specifically—He was a will for each individual life.
This has a lot to do with what you do. It’s important to note that God’s will does not contradict His word. His will is not always accomplished in individual lives. God has given us a free will.
Our wills determine whether or not God’s purpose is accomplished in our individual lives. There are people who never accept Jesus as their savior. There are Christians who remain spiritually immature.
His plan will be accomplished in the general course of history. With certainty I can tell you three things about the future: 1. Every person’s life will end in one of two ways (We may die, or We may go in the rapture), 2. Every person will stand before God and explain how they lived their lives, and 3. The world, as we know it, will end—There will be a new heaven and a new earth.
III. GOD HAS AN OUTCOME
God has an intended outcome—that man would enter into a loving relationship with Him. This plan started in the Garden of Eden but was disrupted when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command not to eat from one tree.
Since that time, God has worked to bring human back to himself. First with the Jewish people. Then with the Gentiles—those of us who are not Jewish. Jesus came to bring us back to God once and for all.
So, what does all this mean to me? Why should I care that God’s plan was mapped out before the world began? Knowing this, helps me trust God because I know that nothing in my life will ever catch Him by surprise.
Since God is not surprised by the circumstances in my life, He is uniquely capable to help me face and overcome anything that comes my way. It helps me understand that God loves me for who I am and not for what I can do for Him. It helps me know that He is willing and able to help me in every area of my life.
Knowing this allows me to always know exactly where I stand with God. Remember, God does not divide our lives into different areas, He wants all of it. God will not give up on you, don’t you give up on God.
God operates in an intentional manner, and I believe our lives will be better lived if we do the same. Why not start today?
Pastor John Punni, II