I don’t usually know the finer details of God’s plans, and that often frustrates me. I like a well laid plan and I like it even better when I can see the whole thing at once. Alas, God’s ways are higher than my ways and His wisdom beyond my understanding. I can’t fathom the depth of His plans for me or for you, but I do know with confidence that His plans are always good (Jeremiah 29:11) and that they always align to His will for our lives.

When we don’t know the details of the plan, how can we be confident we’re in His will? By focusing on these 5 steps:

1. Love Him (Exodus 20:2-6, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Matthew 27:37, 1 John 4:19)

2. Love others (Exodus 20:12-17, Matthew 27:38-39, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

3. Encourage others to live and love as God desires (Hebrews 10:24, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

4. Help restore others spiritually with love and gentleness (Galatians 6:1-2, Matthew 28:18-20, James 5:16)

5. Seek peace and unity with God and with others (Romans 15:5-6, Philippians 2:4, Romans 12:10, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

Notice how 3, 4, and 5 are extensions of 1 and 2? Beloved, in these steps we can see the depth of God’s love and the perfection of His design! I don’t know about you, but I can hardly contain my joy and wonder!

As paths open before us, we may not always know which ones have the best pros or the worst cons, but there is something we do know which makes all the difference: God always wants us on the path that best enables us to do the 5 things listed above. Whatever path we walk down, so long as those 5 things are at the center of it, He will take care of all of the finer details.

Brothers and Sisters, where He moves, let’s move. Where He stays, let’s stay. We can rest assured that all things work together for the good of those who love Him! We can experience peace knowing these 5 steps will help us stay in His will wherever He leads us!