Expert: Thurman C. Petty, Jr. - 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 Lisa,

Thank you for your question. But there’s no need to be confused: God has a personal plan for you AND an overarching, eternal plan of saving the world. And You fit into both plans.

Throughout Scripture you’ll find lists of people that are often ignored or at worst, irritate the reader. These genealogies illustrate one major truth: God cares for the individual—enough that He took the time to have His prophets write down their names.  

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

That “whoever” includes you, it includes me.

Mat 10:29  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
Mat 10:30  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Mat 10:31  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God knows you better than you know yourself. He loves you so much that He would rather die than lose you—in fact, He did die on the cross to save you from sin’s death-dealing grasp.

But what about His plan for you. Does He have a plan for you, for me. Yes, He does.

Psa 138:8  The LORD will fulfill HIS PURPOSE FOR ME; your love, O LORD, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands.

Prov 19:21  Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is THE LORD'S PURPOSE THAT PREVAILS.

Of course, God created us free beings and we don’t have to go along with His plans for us. Check out Adam and Eve. They decided to turn their backs on God’s plans for them. And look how that turned out!

But if we’ll cooperate with God in fulfilling His plan for our lives, then we can expect that His plan will lead us to His heavenly kingdom and into the New Earth beyond (Rev. 21:1-4)

My favorite author points out:

“To His servants Christ commits "His goods"—something to be put to use for Him. He gives "to every man his work." Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in co-operation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the SPECIAL PLACE DESIGNATED ON EARTH WHERE WE ARE TO WORK FOR GOD.” Ellen G. White, "Chirst’s Object Lessons," pages 326, 327

Thanks again for your questions. If you have other questions feel free to write me at my personal address. Also, visit my web site www.PettyPress.com where I’ve posted the entire text of 18 of my books, 40 Bible study guides, and much more.

Always be ready for Jesus to come,
Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
Thurman@PettyPress.com
(All texts from NIV)