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TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

St. Ignatius – Surrender to God’s Will and Trust In His Plans

My dear brothers & sisters in Christ, today we are reminded of the importance of surrendering control to God.

How many times have you encountered obstacles and challenges that felt too much for you to handle? In life, the only certainty that is definite and true is that will of the Lord. As followers of Christ, It is important for Christians to have it in their mind, soul and heart that God is powerful and in charge of everything. He is watching you and He knows what is best for you.

God’s Sovereignty

Isaiah 55:8-9 says that, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This powerful verse in scripture reminds us that even though we don’t always understand God’s plans for us, we can have faith in them.

We often stress ourselves out thinking that we can control everything that happens in our lives. We make plans and policies, thinking that if we follow them, everything will go according to our desires. However, we forget that we are not in control of everything. God is the one who knows what is best for us, and His plans for us are always better than our own.

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

– Proverbs 16:9

Trust in His sovereignty and believe that He has a plan for your life that is beyond your understanding.

Seeking God’s Will

What is life without God’s presence? In the absence of our faith, life is void of purpose or meaning because why shouldn’t you just go about and do what you like without worrying about the consequences for others? And that is exactly how so many non-believers live their lives today, based on emotions and immediate wants because their is no guiding force that gives them meaning.

True purpose in life comes when we are in alignment with God’s plans. Our purposes and plans start to work as intended when we have our hearts set on what is truly important because then our viewpoints are in harmony with God’s. Understanding our place in the kingdom from the right perspective is the key to living a life of contentment.

In Romans 12:2, it says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” This reading acts as a reminder that in order to discern God’s will, we must actively seek it.

My dear friends, if you are looking for God’s will for your life, I implore you to spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and getting sound advice from other Christians. In so doing, we will know the majority of His Will, all that is important to live a great, wonderful, Christian life and you will be better equipped to discern God’s plan for your life.

Let God Control And Direct Your Steps

Surrendering control is one of the hardest parts of yielding to God’s will. We often like to be in control of our own lives and make our own decisions. However, in Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This means that we must relinquish control and rely on God’s direction. 

If you are finding it difficult to give God control, you need to pray for His fortitude and direction. Ask Him to make it easier for you to put your faith in His plans and to give Him your desires.

Relying on God’s Purpose

As we surrender to God’s will and trust in His plans, we must also trust that His plans are good. God assures us that His plans are to make us prosper and not to harm us and that He plans to give us hope and a future. As a Christian, you live with the confidence that God is in charge and knows what’s best for you. You are aware that many things in the world appear uncertain, but if you follow Jesus, he will guide you.

If you are struggling to trust in God’s plans, I urge you to hold onto this promise because our God never fails.  I know it can be challenging to submit to God’s will and trust in His plans, but it is necessary for a happy and meaningful life. I implore you to seek the will of God, relinquish control, and put your faith in His purposes for your life. With that, God’s peace be with you at all times.

Let Us Pray

Lord, today I ask for Your divine guidance. Help me to surrender completely to your will, that your goodness may be manifest into the world through my actions, inspired by the spirit. Give me the strength of Your grace in order for me to hear Your divine instructions. Remove any obstacles that prevent me from drawing near to You. Allow my heart to be open and my vision to be clear so that I may follow Your path. I know that You have a purpose for everything, and I trust that You are working for our good. Help me to find purpose in Your will, and to live my life in alignment with Your divine plan.

St. Ignatius, pray for us. Amen 🙏
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