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?

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Stipulations

Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

When the Lord asked who should He send, Isaiah responded immediately, “Here I am I; send me.” Who knows how many sermons have used this passage of Scripture to spur believers to go into the mission field, or some sort of ministry. How easy it is to romanticize the call, and quickly answer “Here am I; send me.” How many heard such messages, felt their hearts stir, raised their hands and went forward to the altar; but by the time they got home, they forgot all about it? Why?

Some might say they felt manipulated, and came to their senses before it was too late. They weren’t actually called to go; it was an emotional response. Fair enough, but what about those who had legitimate callings? If the Lord did indeed ask you to go, would you? If you said yes, how far would you go? Incidentally, this does not necessarily refer to physical distance; although, it could. To those who have obeyed, are you still open should He ask you to do something different?

Would you obey, even if it would be extremely uncomfortable, or something you never envisioned yourself ever doing? If it is something you absolutely do not want to do, would you do it anyway?  Do you have stipulations? How one answers these questions may indicate what level a person is Spirit-led, and what level one is flesh-driven. If you have conditions, why?

The Problem With Stipulations

Too many want to be in be driver’s seat. They want God to be their co-pilot; not the actual Pilot. They don’t want to give up the control, which means they have not completely surrendered. A downside is it limits God in their life. They are missing out on so many good things He has for them. They are the losing the impact on those whom the Lord desires them to reach. They may not hear, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Furthermore, it hampers the relationship with the Lord, which in turn affects relationships with others. The best versions of their selves are surrendered to Him. Without surrendering to Him, they will never reach their full potential, no matter how many self-help books they read, podcasts to which they listen, or seminars they attend. Unless they repent, they will not experience fullness of joy.

John 15:10-12 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Conditions limit love, and when love is limited, people suffer. As long as a person is consumed with himself and his own well-being, obedience will be nearly impossible for him. He will be “obedient” in the things he wants to do. Their version of obedience may cost them dearly.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.   

Overcoming Stipulations

Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.

Deny the self says, “I love God more than myself and my reputation. It does things on His terms, and knows He is sovereign. It will not determine what is good or bad; rather, it allows God to make that determination. In short, denying ourselves means we do not demand having our way. It surrenders the self to be crucified with Christ.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

To follow Jesus means laying aside our own agendas, biases and demands. It means loving Him and people well. It is a life of surrender and obedience. To obey means to believe with the intent to conform to the desires of God. We do this through faith, and faith works by love.

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