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How, Lord … can I learn Your will for my life?

In the Word

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11 GOD’S WORD).

Of the Word

Since God first knew us, He had a plan for our lives. We might be expecting a specific blueprint or road map for the journey; but even though God’s Word guides us, we have been given free will to make detours and side trips along the way. Some of those treks have been pleasant, others not.

God’s plan for us may even seem a little mysterious but we can be certain He will be right there beside us. The LORD says, “I will instruct you. I will teach you the way that you should go (Psalm 32:8a GOD’S WORD).”

We can’t know God’s will for our lives if we don’t know God! The Holy Spirit will strengthen our faith and trust through the careful study of God’s Word. He will teach us how to be obedient to God’s will. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way (Proverbs 3:6 GNT).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I am headstrong and question Your will for my life. I know when I stray, I make mistakes. Show me how to live according to Your Word so I may experience the joy which comes in walking with You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 15/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (GOD’S WORD) are taken from GOD’S WORD ®, © 1995, God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are taken from the Good News Translation ® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

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How, Lord … can I recognize my worth?

In the Word

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).

Of the Word

You are special! You are not insignificant! A popular poster uses a picture of a cute little guy and words that read “God don’t make no junk.” Grammar aside, the words are true. God didn’t form us to be worthless. Psalm 139 also tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made (verse 14). That’s who we are … wonderfully put together by God!

God who gave us life created us for a purpose. He has a job for each of us to do and in His eyes we are perfect for the position. Each of us has been gifted with a talent that God wants us to use to His glory.

Our Creator didn’t tell us we have to be the most articulate Gospel proclaimer or the one who always has the best ideas. We don’t have to be the best at anything; we only have to make the best use of the talent God gave to us. How beautiful it will be to one day hear the voice of our Savior Jesus saying “‘… Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21a)!’”

Walking with my Lord

My Creator, through Your Holy Spirit help me recognize and fully use the talents You have given me to show boldly how much I love You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 14/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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How, Lord … can I endure this suffering?

In the Word

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Of the Word

All of us will inevitably experience trials, sorrows, and disappointments that test our faith. We may silently ask, or cry aloud, “How can I endure this?” Perhaps we question why God is so slow coming to our rescue or we may even wonder where God is in the midst of all this suffering.

We must hold fast to Jesus’ promise: “And remember that I am always with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:20b GOD’S WORD). He is in the midst of our struggle and He assures us He will get us through it. God understands human suffering. He watched His Son suffer on the cross to save us; He watched those who loved Jesus mourn for Him.

Suffering is not a sign that God has abandoned us. He does hear our pleas for relief. He may not take away whatever it is that challenges us, but our faithful Father knows us by name. He will not allow our trials to go on forever.

Walking with my Lord

Father, forgive my fears that You have abandoned me. Turn my weakness into strength and my fears into faith. Turn my tears into the joy that Jesus’ loved ones had when they saw their resurrected Savior, for He is my Savior, too. In His loving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: How, Lord? Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 13/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (GOD’S WORD) are taken from GOD’S WORD ®, © 1995, God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

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