It is the glory of God to hide and that of kings to uncover (Proverbs 25:2). Man has therefore sought to find answers and meaning to life. When life does not make sense, it is difficult to live a fulfilled life. The good thing is that Jesus brings meaning and fullness to life: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10 KJV).
LESSON ONE: GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN FOR MANKIND
Our topic suggests that we believe God has a plan for us and so he can guide us to that end. This is true. Scriptures affirm that God has a plan for us all. 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 (Jeremiah 29:11). The discussions have been put into three lessons: Discovering Life’s Purpose; In Pursuit of Life’s Essentials and God’s Workmanship.
Discovering Life’s Purpose: Lessons from Jeremiah 29:1-14
1. Like Israel in Babylon, Christians are strangers in our present world. This is not our original home. Heaven is.
2. It is a sin that causes us to find ourselves in challenging moments.
3. Notwithstanding, our exiles are to prepare us for the appointed time and place. His plans do not harm us.
4. We are on earth for a purpose. There is a life to live and to live it to the fullest. Until the time (70 years) is up, we shall remain here.
5. There are many voices that call for our attention. Not all of them are from God. there are many false prophets out there.
6. God’s guidance gives us hope and a future. When we put life in its right perspective, our thoughts, emotions, and actions are guided.
7. To Uncover God’s Guidance is to look into his word, daily, and in all circumstances (Psalm 119). His word is life’s compass. His word is light.
8. The path to self-discovering begins with God-discovery. We cannot have purpose without knowing God.
9. When we get to know God, we begin to see clearly, his purpose for our lives.
Conclusion
There is a need to appreciate life in its broader context. Life is to be lived to glorify God by fearing him and keeping to His command (Eccl 12:13). God’s eternal plan is to reconcile the world back to Himself, and he calls us to participate in this divine assignment (2 Corinthians 5:19).
