A New You 4 The New Year: Discovering God’s Plan for Your Life - Psalm 119:105-112

Introduction: What if God had better and greater plans for your life than you ever thought of? I believe He does. We read in Jeremiah 29:11,

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

That verse was originally given to the people of Israel when they were in captivity. It was a promise from God to Israel that He had greater plans for them than they could ever dream. I believe that the same holds for all of us today!

How many of you have heard of Nick Vujicic? He is an Australian motivational speaker born without arms or legs (Here is a picture of Nick). Early in life, Nick struggled with deep feelings of loneliness, depression, and frustration, questioning the purpose of his life. He even contemplated suicide, feeling that his disability was an insurmountable obstacle to happiness and success.

However, as Nick grew older, he began to develop a strong Christian faith and realized that God had a purpose for him, even though it was not the life he had initially envisioned. Through his faith, he found a sense of meaning and mission. Rather than focusing on what he lacked, he discovered that he could inspire others with his story of resilience, hope, and faith.

Nick now travels the world, speaking to audiences about overcoming adversity, and trusting in God’s plan, no matter the circumstances. His life is a powerful example of how God’s plan can be far greater than our expectations, using our challenges as stepping stones to fulfill a greater purpose.

How many of us believe that God has a plan for our lives that far exceeds any plan that we could come up with for ourselves?

I never knew as a teenager what I was going to do with the rest of my life, but God did! God took a seventeen-year-old boy and placed him into Christian ministry. I have been in full-time Christian ministry for 45 years! If you would have asked my schoolteachers, or my friends if they ever saw me as a Pastor, they would have said a resounding, No! You see, God has greater plans than we could ever dream.

My ministry verse is found in 1 Timothy 1:12. This is what Paul shared with Timothy about how he got into ministry. We read,

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

There are three key points in this verse: 1. God enabled Paul. 2. God counted Paul faithful. 3. God put Paul into the ministry. And the same is true for me. I did not put myself into the ministry. God had great plans for my life. Plans greater than what I could have ever dreamed of myself.

• Saved at 17

• Married at 20

• First child at 22 (God blessed us with 5 children, and as of today 9 grandchildren).

• First Church at 22

• 30 years here at SLBC

• Written over 18 books as a legacy of God’s faithfulness

Never underestimate God’s plan for your life!

So, how can we discover God’s greater plan for our lives? It is not going to take rocket science to discover God’s plan for your life. I have been talking about it for seven weeks now. You are going to hear a lot of what I have already been saying. I hope to say it a little differently today, but nothing has changed.

God wants to work in our lives from the inside out – this is how transformation takes place. So, where does God want to work? Here are some practical “do’s” that we can take to discover God’s plan for our lives.

1. Discover God’s Plan for your Life by being in Scripture – Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

What is the purpose of a flashlight? The purpose of a flashlight is to provide portable, focused light in dark or low-visibility conditions. It’s commonly used for:

1. Illumination: Lighting up areas where natural light or electricity isn’t available.

2. Safety: Helping people see and avoid obstacles or hazards in the dark.

3. Emergency Use: Providing light during power outages, in survival situations, or for signaling for help.

4. Task Lighting: Offering focused light for specific activities like repairs, reading, or searching in tight or poorly lit spaces.

5. Outdoor Adventures: Essential for camping, hiking, or exploring at night.

Now, take those same five purposes but frame them using Psalm 119:105 as our base:

1. Illumination: God’s Word provides clarity in times of darkness, guiding us to see the way forward when natural understanding fails.

2. Safety: The light of Scripture reveals dangers along the path, keeping us from stumbling or straying into harm’s way.

3. Emergency Use: In life’s darkest moments, the Word of God becomes our refuge, a beacon of hope and direction when all else seems lost.

4. Task Lighting: For every challenge and duty, Scripture gives focused wisdom and understanding, helping us fulfill what God has called us to do.

5. Outdoor Adventures: As we journey through life’s unknowns, the Word serves as a faithful guide, illuminating each step of the path God has prepared for us.

One area of our life where we need the light of God’s Word to shine in on is our minds. Remember that Paul wrote that we need to have renewed minds (Romans 12:2). Scripture allows us to think like our Creator.

How can you and I renew the mind? Here are a few suggestions:

• Begin each day with a quiet time. Spend time in God’s Word – Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15

• Replace negative thoughts with promises from God’s Word – Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5

• Hide Scripture in your heart – Psalm 119:11

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The renewing of our minds is the first step in the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Change the mind, and the life will follow.”

2. Discover God’s plan for your Life by Trusting in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Paul Anka wrote a song entitled: My Way. It was recorded by Frank Sinatra It’s a song about a man that lived for himself. A repeated line in the song is “I did it my way”. What I find curious is the last stanza. It reads,

… For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things he truly feels

And not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows

And did it my way

… Yes, it was my way

I believe that one of the major issues with most people, saved and unsaved is that our theme song is “My Way.” We rarely submit our plans to God for His direction. We think we know what is best, but the TRUTH is, Father Knows Best! You and I can do a lot of leaning on our own understanding. How is that working for you? It would be so much better if we acknowledged God in all our ways and allowed Him to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). After all, the MAKER should know what is best for His CREATION.

My Way Example

Around ten years ago a young lady started attending church here with her parents. This young woman wouldn’t wait for God to bring the right man into her life. Any man who told her that he loved her, she slept with. The results were that she had three children from three different men. Was that God’s will for her life? No! When she did attend Church, I would tell her that God had a man for her, but that she needed to wait on God’s timing. She was unwilling to wait. Ask:

Are you doing everything your way? Where does God fit into your life? Are you making sure that you are acknowledging God in all areas of your life?

Try these steps when setting goals:

• Spend time in prayer talking with Him about your life. Ask: God what do you want to do in and through me?

• Listen for God to speak – through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, through Creation, through song, through other believers, through circumstances.

• Be open to stepping into new ministries, restoring relationships, or sharing your faith boldly.

Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, “Go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.”

3. Discover God’s Plan for your Life by Walking in Community – Hebrews 10:24

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Life is all about choices – you and I get to make choices every day. One of the choices we make is, will we be in community with the people of God, or will we be in community with the people of the world? Who will you choose to walk with?

• Proverbs 13:20 - He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

• I Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

And what about Psalm 1 which tells God people clearly which camp we should walk in? We read,

1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The Giant Redwoods

I have read that Redwood trees (stand some 350 feet in height) depend upon each other for stability. They don’t grow their roots deep (average 6-12 feet), but instead, they grow across the forest floor intertwining around the roots of other Redwood trees (some 100 feet from the trunk). This creates a wide-wide base for trees to handle whatever storm comes their way (strong winds, floods, environmental challenges). In the same way, we need the right people in our lives to help us manage whatever storm comes into our lives.

Where do we find such people?

• At Church.

• Home group.

• Accountability partner.

• Youth group.

• Bible Study Group.

• Non-profit Volunteerism.

• Bible Camp.

• Christian Retreats.

And once you have such people in your life, you are to be that same type of person in the life of others.

Dr. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “No Christian is an island. We are called to grow in community, not in isolation.”

4. Discover God’s Plan for your Life by Living in Purity – Ephesians 4:22-24

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

I want you to notice two statements found in these verses. That you “put off” in verse 22, and that you “put on” in verse 24. This pretty much summarizes the born-again experience. It is a picture of what happens in the life of anyone who gives their life to Jesus Christ, and who receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We are called to bury our former conduct. Those things we were involved in during our BC days (before Christ). All the things that were a part of the old man, those things that were corrupt, and all the many deceitful lusts.

The Apostle Paul lists several sins that God’s people are to “put off” in his epistles. These sins are described as part of the “old self” that believers are called to leave behind as they live in Christ. Four key passages list the sins that Christians are called to expel from their lives. Time doesn’t permit me to walk through the lists, but here are the Scripture passages. You go there and read through them.

1. Colossians 3:5-9

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature...”

• Sexual immorality

• Impurity

• Lust

• Evil desires

• Greed, which is idolatry

• Anger

• Rage

• Malice

• Slander

• Filthy language

• Lying

2. Ephesians 4:25-32

“Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires...”

• Falsehood (lying)

• Stealing

• Unwholesome talk

• Bitterness

• Rage and anger

• Brawling

• Slander

• Every form of malice

3. Galatians 5:19-21 (Works of the Flesh)

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:”

• Sexual immorality

• Impurity

• Debauchery

• Idolatry

• Witchcraft

• Hatred

• Discord

• Jealousy

• Fits of rage

• Selfish ambition

• Dissensions

• Factions

• Envy

• Drunkenness

• Orgies

4. Romans 13:13-14

13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

God people are to put off the old man and put on the new man. The picture is like we are changing clothes. This is an analogy that we can all understand. Put off the soiled clothes and put on the clean “holy” garments. Our text in Ephesians 4:24 reminds us, “in true righteousness and holiness.”

What are we to put on? We are to put on…

• Compassion

• Kindness

• Humility

• Gentleness

• Patience

• Love

• Forgiveness

I would also suggest that we look at the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 – Put on love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

What steps can we take to put off the old and put on the new?

• Identify one thing that you are still struggling to bury.

• Give it to God and then have a funeral for it. Bury it. Put it to death (Romans 6:6,11).

• Trust in God’s power to break the chains of the past and free you to move forward.

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “You cannot move forward into God’s future while clinging to the chains of the past.”

5. Discover God’s Plan for your Life by Embracing Grace – Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:21; Romans 11:16

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Here is where it all begins. Salvation starts here with grace. We are told that God desires that all man be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Salvation is by grace through faith – I believe! I receive! I become! (John 1:12). God’s plan for your life is that you become a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. Are you one?

Linda Gehrig and Sheryle Thomson’s dad, Larry Brotzman became a Christian in my office, and he went home and said to his family, “I R one.” Are you one? Are you a Christian? Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ into your life to be your Savior and Lord.

Allow me to pass along two additional verses that speak of the importance of grace in the life of the believer.

• Galatians 2:21 - I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

Paul reminds us that our righteousness comes through grace, not through works or obedience to the law.

• Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Grace and works cannot coexist as the basis for salvation or Christian living—it’s solely by grace.

What is grace? It has been defined like this: God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. The Christian life is all of God’s Grace. Don’t miss this. There is NOTHING you can do to earn or buy your salvation – it is a gift from God (Romans 6:23).

Next, be aware that you and I are going to make mistakes. This is not permission to make excuses! Please hear that. When we blow it, we reach out to God, we don’t go off and hide. No, we trust in God’s pardon, and we get up and move on in life. We believe that grace is God’s answer to our failure.

So, here are some steps we can take when we fall:

• Look to God alone and not to people – He is our High Priest – Psalm 51:1-2; Hebrews 4:16

• Confess and forsake the sin – repent – Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9

• Rely on God’s grace – it is sufficient - 2 Corinthians 12:9.

• Trust that God will complete the work He’s started in you - Philippians 1:6.

Evangelist Billy Graham said, “The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”

Those words from Billy Graham highlight the sustaining power of God’s grace in our daily walk, assuring us that wherever God leads, His grace will uphold us.

Conclusion: Discovering God’s plan for your life is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. As we’ve explored today, God’s plans for us are far greater than anything we could dream of or imagine. He promises us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11), but it’s up to us to trust Him and walk in obedience.

Remember, the path to discovering His plan begins with small, faithful steps:

1. Be in Scripture daily—it is the lamp that guides our steps.

2. Trust in the Lord, surrendering “My Way” for His Way.

3. Walk in community, surrounding yourself with godly influences who will encourage and challenge you.

4. Live in purity, putting off the old self and putting on the new.

5. Embrace grace, knowing that God’s unmerited favor saves, sustains, and strengthens you.

Let me leave you with this final encouragement: God’s plan for your life is unique to you. Just as He used Nick Vujicic’s testimony of resilience and faith to inspire millions, He will use your story for His glory when you surrender to Him. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or have been walking with the Lord for years, never stop seeking His will, trusting His promises, and relying on His grace.

In the words of Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Rest assured that God is not done with you yet. So, take heart, lean into Him, and discover the fullness of His plan for your life.

Let us pray.