Introduction
Have you ever felt stuck waiting for God to move in your life, only to wonder if He’s waiting for you to take the first step?
This eBook will help you discover the role you play in God’s plans and the limitless potential you have when you partner with Him. Through simple but powerful truths from Scripture, you’ll see how God chooses to work through ordinary people like you to accomplish extraordinary things.
Each chapter will challenge and inspire you to step out in faith, take responsibility for your part in His plan, and believe that He can work through both your strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re feeling unqualified, hesitant, or unsure where to start, you'll be encouraged to move forward boldly, knowing that God has equipped you for a life of impact and purpose!
Take Responsibility
Recently I came across a post on social media that read, “Stop overthinking. If it’s God’s will, it’ll happen, and nothing will stop it. If it’s not, He has a better plan. Have peace in knowing that.” This post had almost a quarter million likes, so obviously it resonated with a lot of people.
But when I read it, alarm bells began going off in my spirit. Although this statement feels comforting, it’s not Biblically accurate. Just because something is God’s will doesn’t mean it will happen automatically. After all, it’s His will that none would perish (2 Peter 3:9), yet people die every day without choosing Jesus.
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
Luke 10:19 (ESV)
Imagine you see someone drowning in a swimming pool, but instead of jumping in to save them or calling the nearest lifeguard, you shout from the sidelines, “Hey, if it’s God’s will for you to be rescued, it’ll happen. If not, don’t worry! God has a better plan for you!” That might sound ridiculous, but in reality, there are people drowning all around you—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It’s easy for us to sit back and think, “Someone else will step in.” But what if God wants you to help?
The truth is, God chose to fulfill His will on this Earth through people like you and me. As a believer, you’ve been given the authority and ability to walk out His will, bring miraculous power into situations and see people healed, set free, and saved!
God is searching for someone who’s open to His guidance and willing to act on His Word. What are you waiting for?
Reflection Questions
- Do you find yourself waiting for things to happen on their own, thinking, “If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen”? How might this mindset be holding you back?
- How do you feel about the idea that God chooses to work through people? Does that encourage or intimidate you?
- Think about a time when you helped someone who was struggling. What impact did it have on them—and on you?
Be an Active Participant
Have you ever noticed that Philippians 4:13 says you can do all things through Christ… but it doesn’t guarantee that you will? You see, God won’t force His will on you. He wants to impact the lives of others through you, but He’s waiting for you to actively partner with Him, because you are the mechanism by which His will is accomplished.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
You are surrounded by people who need a touch from God. Some need to experience His love and healing power. Others need a word of wisdom or encouragement. As a believer, you have a duty to act. It’s a great responsibility, but it’s also incredibly exciting!
Let’s say you come across an acquaintance who has struggled for years with the misbelief that God took their deceased loved one, and they’ve felt bitter toward God ever since. With just a few words, you could share the truth that God loves them and didn’t orchestrate that tragedy. Holy Spirit can take your simple words and completely change that person’s heart in seconds. But if you don’t reach out, who will?
I love the Amplified version of today’s verse: “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”
That’s who you are! In Christ, you are ready for anything, so don’t be afraid to act. The people around you are waiting for you to step out and usher in God’s perfect will!
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a time when you felt God nudging you to take action. How did you respond, and what did you learn?
- In what areas of your life are you open to partnering with God, and where might you still be holding back?
- What is one specific action you could take this week to step out in faith and serve others?
Don't Wait to Obey
God works through us to accomplish His will. The thing is, stepping into God’s will isn’t always comfortable. It will push you out of your comfort zone, invite new conversations, and cause you to seize opportunities that feel bigger than you can handle.
Many of us allow the myth of qualification to hold us back. We think that once we reach a certain level as a Christian, we’ll finally feel ready to do what God is calling us to do. But if you look at the Biblical heroes of faith, all you’ll find are unqualified people. God used a stutterer to speak in public (Moses), a doubter to lead a nation (Gideon), and a loudmouth to plant churches (Peter). He included a prostitute (Rahab) and a murderer (David) in the family line of Jesus.
I remember when my father-in-law, Leon Fontaine, first encouraged me to step into a pastoral role at Springs Church. I felt incredibly under-qualified too. “Who am I to preach?” I asked incredulously. But he replied, “Who is anyone?”
Then he shared an analogy that challenged me. On a freezing winter day, you make sure to put on a warm jacket and boots before going outside. Do those clothes take the cold away? No, they prepare you to go out into the cold. Leon said, “Your study of the Word and your preparation with Holy Spirit’s help is like that parka.” Pastoring would still be a challenge, but he assured me I was ready.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26 (NKJV)
If you’re waiting to experience a magical feeling of readiness before you act, you’ll never step into God’s purposes for your life. But if you step out and simply obey His Word, He can work through your weaknesses and accomplish something amazing.
Decide to get up and act on the Word you know, and you’ll be amazed to see His power flowing through you to encourage, strengthen, and heal the hurting people around you. God loves to use flawed vessels to accomplish His perfect plans, and He’s just waiting to work through you!
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever felt unqualified to do something God was prompting you to do? How did you handle that feeling?
- What “parka” (knowledge, preparation, encouragement) can you put on today to step out even if you feel unprepared?
- Who is someone in your life who might benefit from hearing that they are ready and capable in God’s eyes?
Make the First Move
It’s tempting to think someone else will step up to meet the needs in people’s lives. But today’s verse says your life should prove the will of God. In other words, your life should be a walking testament to His power as it flows through you to touch others.
Holy Spirit’s job is to help you walk this out (John 14:26), but He won’t override your free will. You need to make the first move!
As a new pastor, I was often scared to visit patients in the hospital. I didn’t feel qualified or prepared. But as I walked into their rooms, I would quietly pray, “Holy Spirit, speak through me. Bring every verse I need to my remembrance. Help me to minister to this person.” And He did every time.
Be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind… so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:2 (AMP)
Continue to renew your mind with God’s Word and invite Holy Spirit to guide you, and He will point out who you should help. He may lead you to pay for a single mom in the grocery store or give you the words to encourage someone at their lowest point. He wants to give you creative ideas for raising your kids. He will minister healing through you as you lay hands on the sick.
The more you practice following the Word and Holy Spirit’s guidance, the more His power will flow through you into every area of life. You play a personal part in enacting God’s will on this planet—and it’s such an exciting way to live!
Reflection Questions
- When people look at your life, what do you hope they see?
- How do you feel about relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you in conversations? Is this easy or challenging for you?
- How could you take the first step in meeting a need or serving someone around you this week?
Sow a Seed
God’s will is for you to be fruitful in every area of life. The very first command given to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28) and Matthew 12:33 says you can know a tree by its fruit. The fruit in your life is meant to nourish people around you, but every fruit starts as a seed. So, what are you planting?
One of the greatest things you can do is sow life-giving words into others. This world has a shortage of encouragement. Not many people take the time to point out the good in someone or love them at their worst.
I still remember when someone spoke life into me when I was at a low point. I was close to being expelled from high school when someone I admired looked at me and said, “You have a gift.” At first, I thought he was being sarcastic, but he continued, “If you’ll hone and develop yourself now, you’re going to be a great leader someday. You have the ability to lead people with strength and confidence.”
That person planted a seed of encouragement in my heart, and it pushed me into God’s will for my life. If that man hadn’t followed Holy Spirit’s guidance in that moment, who knows where I would be today?
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)
I challenge you to look for someone to encourage every day this week! Plant seeds of faith, value and confidence in your kids, coworkers, friends, and whoever Holy Spirit leads you toward. The fruit that comes from your obedience to God’s leading is life-changing.
Reflection Questions
- Who is someone in your life who encouraged you when you needed it most? How did their words impact you?
- In what ways can you be more intentional about sowing life-giving words and actions into others?
- Reflect on 2 Corinthians 9:6. What does “sowing generously” look like in your everyday life?
Allow God to Use You
When it comes to bringing about God’s will, sometimes we discount ourselves based on our past or flaws, thinking He could never use someone like us.
But imagine you were plucked off this planet and placed into a brand-new civilization on Mars, with no ID and no connections. You could introduce yourself as anybody. Who would you be if you could start over?
That idea of a clean slate is a lot like the fresh start God gives you as a believer. You may see yourself through the lens of your limitations: “I tend to be lazy. I snapped at my kids again today. I’m a new Christian and don’t know enough about the Bible to answer anyone’s questions.”
But God sees beyond your flaws to the real you, and He’s so excited to see you walk out His purposes. Remember, you are the mechanism by which His will takes place—but first you need to believe you are!
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Keep renewing your mind with God’s Word, and you’ll start to see yourself the way He does. You’ll realize that God wants to build His Kingdom through you, regardless of your weaknesses. He has planned out good works for you to do in advance (Ephesians 2:10) and wants to bring healing, restoration, joy, and blessing into others’ lives through your obedience to His will.
As you partner with God and rely on His power working within you, He will do far more through your life than you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!
Reflection Questions
- Imagine starting with a clean slate. What unique gifts or qualities would you bring to God’s work if you fully believed in yourself?
- Reflect on Ephesians 2:10. How does knowing God prepared good works specifically for you impact your view of yourself?
- What’s one way you could start seeing yourself as God’s “workmanship” rather than focusing on your flaws?
Start Walking in Fruitfulness
Do you believe God wants to work through you to impact others? Some of us shy away from that idea, thinking He couldn’t possibly use someone with our past or shortcomings.
But 2 Peter 1:3-11 says something different. Verse 3 says God has given you everything you need for living a godly life—nothing missing or lacking. Verses 5 to 7 go on to explain that as a believer, you can take part of God’s divine nature. The passage lists several character traits that each of us can develop: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
Then it says something interesting. When you are growing and increasing in these qualities, “they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful” (v. 8). And if you continue to practice them, “you will never fail” (v. 10).
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
Isn’t that incredible? God has not only given you a powerful role to play, but He has also laid out a roadmap in His Word for you to succeed! He wants to lead you, work with you, and see you live a life that enriches and transforms the lives of others.
If you feel unqualified to walk out God’s plans, don’t sell yourself short! Turn your focus to the Word. As you grow in your relationship with God, you will naturally begin to look and act more like Him—and you’ll fulfill His will in every area of life.
You have a crucial part to play in seeing God’s plans come to pass. Stay in the Word, listen to Holy Spirit, and you can’t go wrong!
Reflection Questions
- What does “fruitfulness” mean to you, and how do you see it taking shape in your life right now?
- Second Peter 1:3-11 describes qualities that help prevent unfruitfulness. Which of these qualities would you like to develop further?
- How can you encourage and inspire others in their walk with God, even as you grow in your own journey?
Conclusion
God has incredible plans for your life , you just have to believe it! Learn to tune in to His promptings, step out in faith, and take action, and you'll see the powerful change you can bring to the lives of those around you.
Let's take a look at the principles we tackled in the last seven chapters:
- Chapter 1: Take Responsibility. Understand the role you play in bringing God's will into reality.
- Chapter 2: Be an Active Participant. When you feel God prompting you move, be bold and take action.
- Chapter 3: Don't Wait to Obey. You don't need to be "good enough" for God to use you; He'll meet you where you are.
- Chapter 4: Make the First Move. As you listen to Holy Spirit's guidance, His voice will become clearer to you.
- Chapter 5: Sow a Seed. Use the power of Holy Spirit and His guidance to bring impact and change the lives of those around you.
- Chapter 6: Allow God to Use You. You are the mechanism by which God's will takes place—but first you need to believe you are!
- Chapter 7: Start Walking in Fruitfulness. God has given you a road map to walk out His will and develop a fruitful life.
