Prayerful Discernment – a Conversation Among Friends

“Have you ever thought about how our free will and God’s plan for us interact?” Sarah asked her friend, Melanie, as she stirred her coffee.

“Absolutely! It’s like we’re on a two-lane road,” Melanie replied. “On one lane, we’re driving our own car, making choices, taking turns as we see fit. That’s our free will.”

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

– Ephesians 1:11 ESV

Sarah raised her eyebrows in surprise as Melanie’s words created a mental picture in her mind. “And God’s sitting right next to us, with a road map in his hands,” Sarah continued, nodding. “He gives us the freedom to take the wheel, but if we miss a turn or choose a different route, He’s there to guide us back on track. That’s God’s conditional will.”

“Right,” Melanie agreed. “We make choices, and those choices shape our journey. But then there’s this other lane – God’s sovereign will.”

“That’s the lane where God’s driving, isn’t it?” Sarah asked, sipping her coffee.

You can navigate life with an assurance that even amidst uncertainties, as you practice prayerful discernment, you are guided and guarded by a divine plan.

“Exactly!” Melanie confirmed, leaning in. “No matter how many detours we take in our lane, God’s purpose for us keeps moving forward in His. It’s like what Ephesians says, we’re chosen for a reason. That reason is God’s sovereign will – His grand design. Nothing we do can change that.”

“Wow, that’s so comforting,” Sarah responded. “Like, even when I feel lost, I can remember that God’s got it. His plan for me keeps moving forward.”

“That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? We’re not just bystanders. We’re part of something bigger,” Melanie concluded, smiling warmly. “So, we get to drive, but we never really get lost because God’s always there, guiding us.”

God has a divine plan that operates concurrently with your free will. You’re not merely floating through life directionless; instead, you are part of a grand plan in which you have a significant role and purpose.

Today’s One Thing

Consider prayerful discernment. It’s a process of consciously seeking and understanding God’s will in your day-to-day life. By maintaining a regular prayer routine, you can ask for guidance in making decisions that align with God’s plan. Through prayerful discernment, you can navigate life with an assurance that even amidst uncertainties, are guided and guarded by a God’s plan.

Go Deeper

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