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2 Comments

  1. Denny
    30 May 2008 @ 2:13 pm

    Not sure anymore about God has a plan for your life. If it is it is not very specific. The whole concept of seek and you will find has not worked for me. God answers those whom he has chosen. Not all who seek him. I believe in him, but question his belief in me or choosing me. Apparently not no matter how much I desire it. Got to see the whole not just the pieces we like.

  2. Jim
    30 May 2008 @ 8:10 pm

    Hi Denny,

    Thanks for your comment! You ask some great questions. I can tell there’s a lot of frustration behind them. I’m not sure how well I can answer without understanding the circumstances behind the questions, but I can say a few things.

    First, I do think that Jesus’ promise of seeking and finding is for everyone in general. He says in Matthew 7:8 that everyone who asks, receives.

    But what will we receive? That might be a harder question. In the context of Jesus’ teaching here, He does talk about looking for the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and His righteousness. He wants us to look for God’s honour on the earth, and He wants us to look to live a life that pleases God. In fact, He specifically says that we should be putting these things first, rather than being worried about the other things in life.

    So whatever else Jesus is saying, He is saying that everyone who seeks and asks and knocks – sounds like someone with determination – will find that righteousness and God’s kingdom – in other words, God Himself.

    Deuteronomy 4:29 says again that we will find God if we search with all our heart and soul.

    It may not be easy, in this world.

    Not only that, God says clearly that we can expect problems in this world. In Deuteronomy, the verse is in a passage talking about the problems that will come when people turn from God. In Matthew 5, Jesus talks about those who are following Him – how they will be insulted and mistreated.

    In Acts 14:22, Paul and Barnabas taught that we must go through a lot of hardship.

    So God understands that life is not easy, and that the seeking is not easy either. Just because it is not easy for you doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a plan for you, and that He hasn’t “chosen” you.

    Actually, Matthew 7 is one of my favourite passages – particularly Matthew 7:11. Jesus acknowledges that life is hard, and the search is hard. But through it all, God is a loving Father.

    He’s not playing jokes on you or torturing you just for fun, or ignoring you. He does care about your daily life.

    In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus compares us to the sparrow. God cares about the sparrow – don’t you think He loves you? In fact, he cares so much He even knows how many hairs you have on your head this moment!

    That’s pretty individual and specific, isn’t it?

    Don’t be afraid, Jesus says in Luke 12:32 – God wants to give you the kingdom.

    No, life may not turn out as we want it. It may be hard. But the Bible says that God cares about us specifically and individually. He cares about every moment of your life.

    That doesn’t mean he will give you a daily schedule of exactly what His plan is! But it does mean that if you search for God with your whole heart, the greatest treasure and joy will be yours – God Himself. (Psalm 16)

    Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14)

    I’m not sure if I understood your questions and comments – feel free to ask more if you want.

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