In a World of Possibilities, Know Where You’re Headed

Dream big. Your opportunities are endless. Start today. Work hard. Don’t stop. Keep going. And, be grateful and joyful. God has a plan for you. People are watching. Overwhelmed yet? In a world of possibilities, why is it so hard to know where you’re headed?

Too many options

These things I know for sure.

God has a plan for my life. (yours as well)
He created me full of sass and determination. (he created you too)
Gifts and abilities are promised to fulfill my purpose. (you also get them)
Combining all those things in a meaningful life confidently is hard.

The world tells us we can do anything and be anything. If you can dream it up and are willing to work enough, anything is possible. In theory, we’re free to choose and become whatever makes us happiest. No limits. Life without limits feels less freeing than advertised.

Too many options, too many choices, and too many paths also create many ways to possibly choose incorrectly. How do we know the correct choice? What makes you happy at 20 might not be what makes you happy at 40. Will it matter? Maybe, maybe not. Is this what God wants for my life?

How do we confidently move ahead?

The race set out before you

When we’re stuck and grappling with what to do next, wouldn’t life be easier if God just gave us the answer? Tell me what to do and how to be. No more decisions. No more failures. No more wasted time and energy. No more disappointing choices.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (emphasis added)

Alas, we didn’t come with a personal manual. God allows us to choose. For better or worse, we determine who we are and what we become.

Back to all those options and God’s promises.

We have a world of possibilities ahead of us. God promises gifts, abilities, unique personalities, and a purpose. How do you balance making the right choices while also honoring God? Focus on the race God has you in. Run your race, don’t chase someone else. Run with purpose.

Know where you’re headed

Once you start focusing on your race, your destination slowly comes into focus. Ever so slowly, it will be easier to know where you’re headed. But, I’m gonna burst your bubble right here and now.

You will never feel completely confident in all your decisions.

Hence why it’s imperative to know where you’re headed. God’s grace leaves room for our decisions. He knows all the options, even anticipating our confusion in decision making. Reaching him isn’t a straight path requiring the “right” choice every time.

“The race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) is  winnable when we’re “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, emphasis added)

Here’s the secret—LOOK TOWARDS JESUS!

Choose A, B, or C as long as you’re looking towards Jesus. Start down one path and then take a detour, as long as you’re looking towards Jesus. Take a rest, as long as you’re looking for Jesus.

Start with your destination. Listen to the one who knows how your story ends. Look towards Jesus.

Your Next Steps:

Let’s make a decision. Ask yourself these questions.

What are you struggling to decide?
Have you spent time praying for discernment? Not yet? Start there and then come back.
What are your most viable options?

For each option:
Does this option lead me towards Jesus?

If more than one option leads you towards Jesus, which one excites you the most? Which one helps you create a life that reflects his goodness? Which choice will give you time and space to be better?