Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” With this promise, you can trust in God’s plans for your life. However, it is often challenging to see God’s plans being revealed in your life. This is why it is important to watch for God’s plans to be revealed in surprising ways.
Here are six surprising ways God reveals His plans for your life.
Through Failures
Through upsets and downfalls, God can reveal His plan for your life. Think about it – when you hit rock bottom, who was present in your pain? God was there and He was covering you with His grace (Psalm 91:4-6). Perhaps you were diagnosed with an incurable illness, yet God met you there. Through these hardships, He has revealed His plans for your life.
Maybe you failed a test at college, but it showed you that you were in the wrong field. Rather than being in the medical field, God was calling you to go into publishing. God can show up in the most surprising ways. You don't ever need to underestimate what He can do.
Paul tells us, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). He is working out His plans now, even in the most surprising ways.
Repeated Reminders of Scripture
The Bible is God’s main way of communicating with us. How will we hear from Him if we are never picking up His Word? If you are constantly being reminded of various passages of Scripture, it demonstrates God’s power at work in your life. He is drawing you to Him and revealing His plans for your life. Talk with Him about how you are feeling and watch Him speak to you through His Word.
It could be God is calling you to switch careers, say “yes” to that blind date, or reconnect with a family member. Allow God to guide you. He will equip your heart with clear discernment. The plans He has for you is far greater than anything you could ever imagine.
An Inner Passion and Desire
What is your inner passion and desire? Maybe you have known from a young age that God was calling you to be a missionary. Despite being rejected by multiple mission boards, you still have the passion and desire to be a missionary. This could be a unique way God is talking to you – through your inner drive.
God has gifted us with talents and skills that are unique to us. He has a special purpose for each of our lives. Choose to take hold of your passions and see if God is leading you in a new direction. You may be surprised as to where God leads. Perhaps He is leading you after your greatest dream!
Challenging Life Experiences
Challenging life experiences are never ideal, but they bring us back to the cross of Christ. Have you recently gone through a challenging life experience? Perhaps you were diagnosed with an incurable illness or a loved one passed away. God can speak to you through these moments. He will bring you peace, solace, and hope into your life (John 14:27).
If you feel like you are at rock bottom today, rest in the goodness of God. This can be challenging, but this could be part of God’s bigger plan. Maybe you were diagnosed with an incurable illness, but having this illness will help you connect with more people and help them come to know the Lord. God can work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28).
A New Hobby
A new hobby can be a surprising way God reveals His plans for your life. Perhaps you recently became interested in painting. It could be God is calling you to be a painter. Never underestimate the beautiful plans God has for your life. Even if it feels too good to be true, remind yourself that all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).
Think about a few hobbies you have recently picked up. Do you feel God is shining His beacon light on any of them? Maybe it is the hobby where you feel most connected to God. Allow Him to guide you and speak to you. It is a beautiful thing to watch God’s plan unfold in your life.
Trials and Tribulations
No one enjoys trials and tribulations, but they are often a key way God reveals His plans for our lives. For example, maybe God is calling you away from your current toxic relationship. Instead of fighting God, accept His plans. Allow Him to cover all your wounds and hurts (Psalm 147:3).
God is not causing the hard times you are experiencing, but He can reveal His plans for you through them. Allow God to speak to you and transform your heart. Be open to His direction and feedback. God is always on your side, cheering you on (Romans 8:31).
God can reveal His plans for your life in many unique ways. A few of these ways are through failures, repeated reminders in the Bible, an inner passion and desire, challenging life experiences, a new hobby, and trials and tribulations.
