By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
I’m not sure if kids still play the folded paper game these days, but when I was young, it was all the rave. Here’s how it was played. After a piece of paper was folded into a specific pattern, colors, numbers, and phrases were written onto different sections of the creased grid. Friends took turns picking random numbers and colors until each player reached an end-of-game message meant just for them, or so we thought. Silly, I know, but we found the game to be fascinating.
Real life is not random or accidental. It is purposeful, and the choices we make matter. “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). “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
I’m thankful that God does not dictate our every move in life but gives us the ability to choose. Sure, sometimes our decisions take us down paths we later regret. And yes, some of our choices bring painful consequences. But mistakes can teach us so much if we are willing to learn and grow from them.
I have found the best way to make choices in life is to first seek the Lord and ask for His direction (Matthew 6:33). He is always ready and willing to guide us toward what is truly best—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
I cannot tell you how many times I have taken a wrong turn in life. But thankfully, God has always led me back to where I needed to be. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). “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).
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God has a plan and purpose for us and that His plans are meant to prosper, not harm? In fact, God has even created us with specific gifts and talents that are intended to align with His perfect plan and purpose. Even the body God has given us aligns with His plan and purpose. Once I truly understood this wonderful truth, I realized, comparing myself with others is not a good use of time and energy. Coveting what someone else has only takes my focus away from what I have been given.
Perhaps like me, you are eager to hear from God, to know what is the best choice you can make, the one that aligns with God’s will. Opening your Bible and reading God’s Word is much like unfolding that piece of paper at the end of the paper game. It’s exciting to see what God has to say. But thankfully, His messages are never random; they are personal and specific, meant just for you.
God will give you what you need, when you need it. Sometimes He will guide you through a prophetic Word. Other times He will bring confirmation about something that perhaps you were already sensing through His Holy Spirit. And on many occasions, God will simply give you words of encouragement and hope. Regardless of which type of message, God knows what you need for that day, the next day, and every day after.
Friends, we will never come away from our devotion time feeling disappointed. Time spent unfolding God’s perfect and holy written Word is the only message we truly need.
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books. (They make great gifts too!): Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit *** Living in Truth: A Christmas Devotional
