Missing God’s Plan Because of Unbelief
How many know they are not fulfilling God’s plan for their life, but they want to? Perhaps, the issue is they don’t fully believe the Word of God. To a degree they believe the Bible is true, but they have not fully embraced it as the True Word of God for them. Generally, people live according to their core beliefs, which means how they live in private will reveal far more than what they say or do in public. If one’s lifestyle is not congruent with what one professes, then there will probably be a disconnect with God’s plan.
We will not drill down much further on the issue of unbelief; however, we’ll briefly touch on the fact God’s Word remains the same no matter how much time elapses. It corresponds to His nature, which is unchanging.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Fear of Man
Okay, someone might say, “I do believe.” Then perhaps the problem is the fear of man. You’re waiting for someone to grant you permission to walk by faith. You’re looking for someone’s stamp of approval to obey the Word of the Lord. The fear of man is hindering you from fulfilling God’s purposes for you.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
At some point, a disciple of Jesus Christ will have to place the Word of God above the opinion of man, if he or she is going to satisfy His plans for his or her life. Where it can get tricky is when the opinion comes from someone extremely close, such as a parent, sibling or other family member. Living for Jesus often means a departure from the family dynamics in which one grew up. It can feel like betrayal when going against the grain.
Here’s something to consider in this regard: think long-term. Meaning, by following Jesus, you may actually influence your family members to make a decision for Him, if they are unbelievers.
Secondly, fear of family rejection can be a powerful force to reckon with, especially, if it literally means being expelled from the family. There are numerous religions that ostracize those who depart from their belief systems. For the most part, everyone wants to be accepted. None want to feel like they’re losing family or friends. However, we need to keep our First Love in first place.
Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Whose approval carries the most weight? What does Jesus have to say about it?
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
