God Has A Blueprint For Your Life

THE SECRET PLACE

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand)" (Psalm 91:1 AMP).

There is a dwelling place set apart for the children of God, a special place of protection, provision, and the sharing of the most intimate things. I think perhaps David discovered it on the hills of Bethlehem while tending the sheep. He had time to gaze up at the stars at night and ponder the ways of the One Who created them (while keeping one eye on the sheep). He was one who had a heart after God, so he invested the time to seek Him, thus discovering the secret place of the Most High. He tapped into the rescuing power of God when he recaptured sheep from the mouths of lions and bears. He discovered God's power to prevail over his enemy when he killed Goliath on the battlefield. He learned to lean and rely on Him at a tender young age, and it would prepare him for kingship and all the adversity leading up to it. David was skilled as a warrior, musician, psalmist, and leader of the people, but the true source of his success was time spent in the secret place of the Most High. Nothing would ever compare to it, and no one could take it from him.

Whatever our endeavors, callings, or gifts, the same is true for us. There is that secret place reserved for God's own where He reveals His greatness, sufficiency, and faithfulness. He unveils Himself to us as "I Am." In this hidden place, we begin to discern that He is all we need and require, satisfying the deepest longings of our hearts. It is in this special place that trust and intimacy is developed, and the groundwork is laid for the perceiving and grasping of our divine blueprint.

In the secret place of the Most High, we come to know personally and completely that we are His, and He is ours. We come to understand that He has designs on us--and for us--and He will move us into those designs so that we might accomplish all He has purposed us to do.

"Lord, You are waiting for us to come into the secret place. You are longing to meet us there. Thank You for revealing Your heart, Your ways...Your purpose to us."

PREDESTINED

"For we are God's own handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live)" (Ephesians 2:10 AMP).

Predestined. What a wonderful word. What an exciting way to live, knowing our Creator fashioned us with purpose, that He prearranged a good life for us that is attainable through His Son, Jesus Christ. When we are recreated in Christ (born anew) and filled with His Spirit, we are given a solid, firm foundation. On the basis of that firm foundation (Jesus being our Cornerstone), God does an eternal work in us according to His blueprint for our lives. Part of His "handiwork" is fashioning and preparing us and moving us forward to do the works and take the paths predestined for us.

There are particular good works that have our names on them. These have been set aside for us since the beginning of time when God created us and breathed His purpose into us. He endows us with everything we need to accomplish these good works--gifts, anointing, desire, wisdom from above, direction. What He requires from us is obedience and a willing heart, for He will not demand or force us to do these good works. But our faithfulness to do them will bring about changed lives, eternal results, and eternal rewards.

Along with good works are the pathways that God has prepared ahead of time for us. Just as God led Abraham in a specific direction to the land that was promised to him and his descendants, even so He has particular, specific paths for us, according to His purpose for our lives. We can seek Him and pray confidently for leading and direction, knowing He predestined our pathways before we were ever born. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us is key to making right choices and moving in God's direction.

There is no greater satisfaction and fulfillment than pursuing God's purpose, taking His paths, and doing the good works He's called us to do. This is living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.

"Holy Spirit, thank You for ordering our steps. We may not always know the direction You are taking us, but what's important is that You are leading us. By Your power and might, we will do those good works that are set aside for us to do."