God's Plan for Living: A Simple Roadmap for Your IDEAL Kingdom LifeSample

One of the best examples of God’s IDEAL at work is in the life of David. Twice in the Bible, David is referred to as a “man after God’s own heart”. That doesn’t mean he was perfect by any means. But I do believe that despite the difficulties and challenges he faced, the trajectory of David’s heart and life was moving toward God. Like you and me, he was a person on a journey with a Father who loved him deeply.

The difficulties publicly displayed in David’s life were rooted in identity issues. Think about it. Maybe he sought out Bathsheba, another man’s wife because he felt empty in some area and needed someone to affirm his identity. Maybe at the root, David felt unloved despite being called a man after God’s own heart. But as much as David struggled with that, it was his practice to remind himself who he was, who God was and all He had promised. Walking in a healthy identity for David wasn’t a one-time decision, but an intentional daily choice.

Throughout the Biblical narrative, we also see the beautiful uniqueness of David’s design as a worshipper and creative person, as well as a natural leader who was intuitive, empathetic, passionate, and brave. Talk about a unique human being! Of course, the enemy tried to wound him in those areas to keep him from walking in his unique design. But just because David had an assignment and anointing, doesn’t mean there wasn’t some significant growth that needed to happen. As David abided with God in the secret place of worship and walked through the refining situations of life, he matured in the Lord. His connection with God deepened, and His identity was further established as one loved by God.

God brought David into alignment with the right people, opportunities, and resources to both refine and position him for greater effectiveness. He had to fight some bears and lions along the way. He had to face a giant, overcome the lust of the flesh, and even served a King who ended up wanting to destroy him. Not an easy road. But through it all, David persevered. And he was blessed with all he needed to accomplish that which God had placed on his heart.

Though he made mistakes, acted immaturely, and stumbled along the way, David continued to worship and walk with God. His love for God remained foundational. The presence of God enabled David to live a brave and courageous life of impact and influence for the Glory of God we are still talking about today. That’s God’s IDEAL at work.

The life of David demonstrates God’s commitment to walk with us through the process of ongoing maturity rather than expecting complete perfection. It proves His heart is for relationship rather than performance. Knowing those things about our heavenly Father gives me a lot of hope and creates the space where grace-filled living emerges. Life without the pressure to perform. Life without the heavy yoke of religious obligation. A life committed to walking with Him each day rather than performing for Him.

Prayer

“Father, thank you for your faithfulness to me just like you were faithful to David. Thank you for the unique way you have created and assigned me in your Kingdom so that my life glorifies you. I receive your grace and strength for living the abundant life you have designed for me. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.”

Your Next Step

If you've enjoyed this devotional, please consider visiting http://www.godsplanforliving.com where you can purchase my best-selling book, God's Plan for Living (the inspiration for this devotional), and download a free PDF called Biblical Affirmations: 30 Days to Renewing Your Mind.