Jeremiah 29:11 TLB
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope
This passage of scripture leaves no doubt that God has a plan for each of us. In the context, He is speaking to the nation of Israel, but God is no respecter of people. He does not prefer one nation or person above another. He is always only good to all.
Romans 2:11 AMPC
For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another].
Psalms 145:9 NLT
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
Acts 10:34 AMPC
And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons,
Colossians 3:11 TLB
In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.
If the Creator would fashion a plan for one nation or person, He would fashion a plan for all nations and all people. There are many other verses that tell of God’s plans and work in the lives of people. King David describes God’s intimate knowledge and purpose for our lives in Psalm 139. Again, in the context of the verses, David speaks of himself. But these truths apply to all of God’s children. Like Jeremiah 29:11, verse 16 is particularly speaking of God’s foreknowledge and plans.
Psalms 139:16 AMPC
Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
There is only One Who could have written all of the days of our lives before we existed. The life of each human being was lovingly planned and designed by God for His pleasure. No one is an accident – far, far from it. Each one of us was conceived on purpose. It appears from the verse above that God has a book that He writes in and the entry for each of us is our destiny. There is much more to study and meditate upon in Psalm 139.
Psalms 139: 13 – 16 AMPC
13 For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
Verse 14 is especially poetic in the King James Version of the Bible.
Psalms 139:14 KJV
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Every human being has been fearfully and wonderfully made. This verse is so rich it deserves a few more translations.
Psalms 139:14 TLB
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.
Psalms 139:14 NOG
I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.
Psalms 139:14 NIRV
How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that. What you have done is wonderful. I know that very well.
Verse 15 in the Amplified Bibles says “… I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors]…” Colors. Eye color. Hair color. Skin color. Embroidery requires a pattern. It requires forethought and planning. The colors are planned, and the embroidered scene is created by much work and stitching. Today there are sewing machines that do embroidery but when this was written it was all done by hand. Imagine a loving Father carefully and thoughtfully working on you. God planned and created every part of your body, your personality, your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses, your family, your experiences, and so much more. Jeremiah said they were plans for good and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. From the very beginning God had a good plan for you.
In the New Testament, the same thought is written in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. This is a good verse to read over and over again and savor. Don’t rush it and go back and read as many times as you need to and as often as you need to. This is very important information for all people.
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
God was very intentional about each of us. There was planning, forethought, preparation. We are God’s own handiwork. When were conceived in our mother’s womb, the plan He had for us was set in motion on the earth. Our souls and bodies had their beginning in the earth. Then He recreated us spiritually in Christ Jesus at the new birth. We have the privilege of doing good works that God planned for us to do. God purposes that we live the good life that He prearranged and made ready for us. This is not impossible or out of reach. This is our destiny.
1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 NASB
9 but just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
Where was it written? The Apostle Paul was quoting the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 64:4 NASB
For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You,
Who acts in behalf of one who waits for Him.
The Amplified Bible rendering of the verses in 1 Corinthians 2 follow.
1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 AMPC
9 But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. 10 Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].
We might have plans and goals for our lives, but God’s plans and goals for us are infinitely greater and more beautiful. And we were specifically created by Him for His plans and goals. Read the following truth Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul about God’s plans for us.
Ephesians 3:20 AMPC
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—
There is a lot of information in this passage. In terms of our destiny – He is able to carry out His purpose. He is at work within us to carry out His purpose. You and I have a God-ordained purpose. And it appears that it is far above all our highest prayers or desires or thoughts or hope or dreams. I’ll say it again: none of us is an accident. Each of us has been created, designed, fashioned by God for God. We each have a destiny fashioned specifically for us and each of us has a destination that Holy Spirit desires to lead us to.
At this point, a question is begging to be asked. If God has such carefully laid plans for every single one of us, why are so many born, live their entire lives, and die without ever knowing their destiny let alone fulfilling it?
The prophet Hosea answers the question simply and clearly.
Hosea 4:6a AMPC
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
In the context of this verse, God is rebuking the priests of Israel. They have failed, miserably, to instruct His people in righteousness and truth. The nation of Israel is in serious decline because the religious leaders are not doing their God-appointed jobs. The same failure has been true throughout church history until today. Many leaders in the body of Christ have not instructed God’s people adequately (let alone excellently) in truth. Holy Spirit has appointed and authorized five ministry gifts in the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13 NASB
11 And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Some church leaders are not operating under the direction of Holy Spirit and obedient to His instructions in stewarding the flock of God entrusted to them. The result is that God’s people are not equipped and built up to the full stature God has planned for them. While it is possible for individual believers to learn and grow through their own personal study of the scriptures, many rely completely on the organized church and the people recognized as leaders in the organized church to provide all aspects of their God-connection.
It only takes a small step of faith in pursuit of truth and the pursuit of the knowledge of our destiny. Holy Spirit honors that faith and will provide the revelation and the leadership required to learn and grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. The verse in Hosea reveals the reason people don’t reach their destination. Here are a few more translations of Hosea 4:6a.
Hosea 4:6a ERV
“My people are destroyed because they have no knowledge
Hosea 4:6a TLB
My people are destroyed because they don’t know me
Hosea 4:6a MSG
My people are ruined because they don’t know what’s right or true.
We cannot enjoy the benefits of something we do not know we possess. Some have described it as follows. Suppose someone deposits a huge amount of money in a bank account for you. But you do not know about it. It does not help you to meet financial needs. If you knew about this massive sum of money available to you, then you could take it and use it. The same is true for the over 7000 promises of God in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If you do not know what God has provided by grace, you cannot walk in it by faith.
Another verse of scripture that describes why some live their whole lives and never fulfill their God-ordained destinies is found in the book of wisdom, Proverbs.
Proverbs 29:18a NASB
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
The word vision used here is from the Hebrew word “hazon” (Strong’s concordance H2377) which can mean a divine communication in a vision, an oracle, or a prophesy. It is a masculine noun in the Hebrew that is related to the verb “haza” (Strong’s concordance H2372). Definitions for “haza” include to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide, or contemplate. The word is used by Nahum in his prophesy in chapter 1 verse 1.
Nahum 1:1 NLT
This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Elkosh.
The word “vision” Nahum uses is “hazon.” Nahum saw what God was about to do in judgment of the vicious and brutal nation of Assyria. He records what he saw in his prophesy. Nahum had a divine communication. He saw what God was going to do. He had “inside information.” We need inside information about our lives on this earth!
Here is the Proverbs 29:18a in the New International version.
Proverbs 29:18a NIV
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
This translation uses the word “revelation” for “hazon.” As a “divine communication” the word “revelation” is appropriate. Without a vision or a revelation people are unrestrained. The word “unrestrained” is translated from the Hebrew “para” (Strong’s concordance H6544). Besides meaning “unrestrained,” para can mean to let go, let loose, ignore, to let alone, avoid, neglect, to loosen.
In combining the words for “vision” and “unrestrained” we come to a Holy Spirit reality from Proverbs 29:18a. If we do not know God’s destiny for our lives, we will not be able to pursue it. If we are ignorant of our God-ordained purpose, we will not only neglect that purpose, but we will live lives that are undisciplined and chaotic. We will be carried about by our emotions, our circumstances, our resources, other people’s demands, new doctrines, and even demonic influences. While God does not give you a download of every moment of every day of your life in one “this is your destiny” experience, you must know that there is a destiny for you. You have a destination. You might not know exactly what or where it is, but you walk very closely with the One Who designed that destination for you. The Lord Jesus said it this way as recorded by His friend John.
John 15: 5 AMPC
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
Beloved, there is an incalculable benefit to being in “vital union” with Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for His Presence. Once we are born-again, He is always with us. But are we “in vital union” with Him? David, the Psalmist, said this about His presence.
Psalm 37:23 AMPC
The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].
The God Who maintains and propels the universes (Hebrews 1:3 AMPC) also busies Himself with your every step. Imagine getting up in the morning and saying, “Papa, I don’t know everything today will bring, but I do know I am walking shoulder to shoulder with You and You are busy with every step I take. I will reach my intended destination today.” Each day you have a destiny and a purpose. Each week, each month, each year you have a destiny and a purpose. It is not your responsibility to make it happen. He walks it out with us as our Guide and our Strengthener.
Hebrews 13:20, 21 AMPC
20 Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), 21 Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).
Personally, I have been camping on the “equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight,” for several years now. I cannot get past the enormity of this thought. Not only is our wonderful God busy with our steps, He is all the while equipping us for what pleases Him. God designs this magnificent plan for our lives, then equips us to fulfill it. Our part is to abide in vital union with Him.
In describing God’s plan for His human race, Paul told the church at Ephesus that God was indeed intentional about each of us.
Ephesians 1:4, 5 AMPC
4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. 5 For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]—
I remind you of the verses at the beginning of this study that assure us that God is not respecter of people, He is good to all, and Jesus and His great salvation are equally available to all. If He picked out one, He picked out all. If He foreordained one, He foreordained all. If He planned in love for one to be adopted and revealed as His own then it is true for all. God’s kind intent, through Jesus Christ, was always to include us all in a full, complete relationship with Him. The over-arching theme of each human being’s destiny is that we are to be revealed as an adored children of a loving God and Father.
Precious people that God loves and for whom He has prepared a destiny miss that destiny because they do not know about it or because they do not abide in Him while He performs on our behalf. As Christians, we have the enormous privilege of announcing this truth.
Isaiah 52:7 AMPC
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!
Brothers and sisters, this is also a component of every Christian’s destiny. We are all destined to have the beautiful feet of one who announces the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all destined to publish peace and publish salvation. And as individual children of God, we have a very specific, detailed purpose. We walk it out day by day and sometime minute by minute. Remaining in vital union with Jesus will allow us to reach the end and say, like the Apostle Paul –
2 Timothy 4:7, 8 KJV
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Many years ago when I was a college student we sang a little song in our church that was life changing for me. I still can’t get over it. It goes like this:
I am a child of destiny
That’s what I am
I am a child of destiny
Bought by the lamb
And I know where I’m going
And I know Whose I am
And that He loves me
And gave himself for me
I am a child of destiny.