“If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, ‘Here is the road. Follow it.'” Isaiah 30:21

Formation of Destiny

I was going through a file recently and came across some notes I had written long ago:

Be careful of your thoughts because they determine your words.

Be careful of your words because they lead to actions.

Be careful of your actions for they become habits.

Be careful of your habits because they shape your character.

Be careful of your character because it determines your destiny.

I sat and pondered those five guidelines. A revelation came that God has helped me over the years with my words, actions, habits, and character—and now all of those things are helping to shape my destiny.

I’ve certainly not gotten these things all right over the years! But He has helped me with the mistakes—helped me pick up the pieces and learn from them. As He has taught me, stretched me, and helped me grow, I am now walking in a lifetime of learning that is shaping my destiny.

It was actually very encouraging. It was like a window opened and I could see how God has been graciously at work in my life to get me to the place where I am today. He has been at work in every season of my life. And it gave me a fresh perspective of how important each of my choices have been through the years.

It particularly hit me that the habits I’ve built over the years have given me the firm foundation I have needed on this unexpected journey. I’m not sure I could have walked this path without those things that had already been built into my life. God knew what I would need and had been lovingly helping me build that foundation.

A few of the foundation stones stand out to me:

  • trusting God even when we don’t understand
  • worshiping Him in the hard, difficult moments
  • walking in His joy which releases the strength we need
  • receiving His power that is made perfect in my weakness
  • standing on the truth of His Word, His promises
  • acknowledging that His grace is sufficient for my every need
  • standing against the enemy, especially his lies
  • persevering in prayer even when I don’t see the answers I want

I have a fresh sense of gratitude that He has helped me “be careful” in all the things listed above in order to shape and mold me. He’s been patient with my failings, and has continued to help me grow. He helped get me ready for the things I face now.

It also became clear to me that it’s never too early or too late to learn these things. In fact, I’m still learning in all these areas. He never gives up on us—even if we’re discouraged and think ourselves weak. He takes our hand and says, “Follow Me.” Then He shows us how to handle the challenges we face.

Every word we speak, every choice we make, every action we take is shaping us into the person we are. This would be a bit daunting if it weren’t for the fact that God is walking right beside us and forming us into His image.

Father, You prepare us for Your will. Thank You for the future and the hope. Amen.