Expert: Paul Walker - 3/3/2008

Question
I was told in college that God had an individual, personal plan for me, and that it would be fulfilled if I followed His leading and made choices where I sensed His guiding hand. Would you agree? Is there a Biblical basis for this? Or is there more of an overarching, eternal plan (saving the world) and it is our duty as Christians to walk with God by working toward that plan?

Answer
Dear Marilyn,
I have never ascribed to the teaching that every individual was created with a specific plan for there lives. This teaching is opposed to free will. That is not to say that God cannot nor has not done so to a particular individual for a particular purpose, such as Jerimiah.
Jeremiah 1:5  BEFORE I FORMED THEE IN THE BELLY I KNEW THEE; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, AND I ORDAINED THEE A PROPHET UNTO THE NATIONS.
However, this is the exception not the rule. Even as saved, those that have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, we chose are own path. We can chose to serve and follow the Lord or not to. The Lord obviously will attempt to deal with us to do so and if we do chose to he will attempt to train us up in walking by faith and serving him. If we will live for him and open our mouth for him, he will use us. As we grow in strength of faith, knowledge and ability he will take us to higher service. It all depends on our willingness to deny ourselves and serve. We are called unto Service, Sacrifice & Suffering as Christians.
Philippians 1:29  For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE;
The flesh does not appreciate any of these, we must walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
I hope this helps.
Your Servant In Christ Jesus,
Paul Walker
www.aficj.org