September 14

What Is God’s Plan?

For Ignatius, God’s will isn’t a precise blueprint, but it’s not a vague “whatever you want” blank check either. God has a “plan” in the sense that he has an idea of the kind of person you can be and an idea of the life that would bring you most joy. The broad outlines of his idea are the same for everyone—to love and serve God and neighbor. But the particulars are unique to each of us. Finding God’s will means discovering the way of life that we were meant to live.

—Jim Manney, God Finds Us

And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

—1 Thessalonians 5:14–18

What is your idea of God’s “plan”? Has it changed over time?