(Ephesians 1:11)
The word translated “predestined” in this verse means “predetermined.” God has a predetermined, predesigned course for every one of us. That course was set before we were ever born into this earth.
The Lord has said to each of us: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee” (Jer. 1:5). God knew you and me before the foundation of the world, and He set an individual course for each of us to follow. Now it is up to you and me to discover God’s course for us and to follow that course so that we may give spiritual birth to the dream and vision He has had in mind for us.
Be faithful where you are right now, and determine to stay in God’s will so that every promise in God’s Word can be fulfilled in your life. The apostle Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course” (2 Tim. 4:7). Paul fought to stay on course, and he made it. He finished the course laid out for him by God. Discover what your course is, and then stay with it and never give up until you have reached your God-ordained destination and goal.
- Have you ever been on a road trip and gotten off course? Perhaps you tried a shortcut that, as it turned out, actually took you longer to get there. Or, has anyone ever told you about a shortcut that really did work? A course that was off the beaten path? We can draw some beneficial parallels from this in regard to following God’s course for our lives.
- You may know your ultimate destination now, but you need guidance on how to get there. First and foremost, God’s Word is a lamp for your feet and a light for your path. (Ps. 119:105.) And because it is God’s predetermined plan for you, He sees the big picture. He can see the shortcuts and pitfalls, and He’s given you the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you. You needn’t look to external guidance because the Holy Spirit lives inside you, and it is from within that you’ll get the inside track.
- Meditate on the following verses to encourage you on your journey. Make them personal prayers and confessions for your individual situation:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Ps. 37:23).
“Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip” (Ps. 18:36).
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6).
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isa. 30:21).
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
Father, knowing that You had me in mind when You created the earth is an awesome thought. Even then, You set forth a specific course for me to follow, one I have been uniquely and intricately designed for. I am committed to following Your path for me, and I trust You to lead and guide me so that I can stay on course. I won’t try to find a shortcut, but like Paul, I will press toward the mark till I finish the race. Your joy shall be my strength. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.