Q: I’m a Christian Marine stationed in Virginia, soon to be a machine gunner in Iraq. There is no regular pastor where I currently am. I wish I knew God’s plan for my life. How can I know I’m in it?

A: The Lord spoke to a very young man named Jeremiah saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew all about you, and before you were born I set you apart,” (Jer 1:5). These words can be applied to all of us. Since God has already been to tomorrow, he has been fully aware of all the creepy things we would do from the start. He knew the circumstances in your life, some being difficult, which He would use to draw your attention and heart towards Him. He saw the day you would finally cry out to Him as a believer. He saw you in boot camp asking Him to help you get to the next day. He knew you would experience days of doubt; but He has never taken His eyes off you.

Today you are in God’s plan simply because you are an adopted child of God. (See Rom 8:15.) God must often work in us before He works through us. Days of preparation are often necessary before His plans come to fruition. Arrogance, temperaments, or selfish desires may have to be removed from our hearts. There is often rubble in our lives that God desires to remove before we’re ready for major responsibility.

Zerubbabel was discouraged over the time it was taking to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. There was so much debris to move but God instructed Zechariah to encourage Zerubabbel saying, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit. What are you great mountain? Before Zerubabbel you will become a plain,” (Zech 4:6‑7).

Like Zerubabbel, we usually see one step at a time; although I would rather see steps three and four in advance. You may wonder where God’s plan is taking you, but be encouraged brother. You’re in the process. Dwight Moody, George Muller and Chuck Smith were not made in a day, and they all had doubts. God has never forgotten you. Never despise the days of small things as God is developing you.

(See Zech 4:10).

It’s hard not being home for the holidays, but remember that you have a pastor right there with you. Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who never leaves nor forsakes His own. Perhaps you’ll want to read John 10. Memorize a verse each day and when it’s quiet, ask God to explain what he means by it. His still, small voice will plant impressions in your heart. That’s your Good Shepherd conversing with you.

Psalm 3:3