Q: Since my husband went to be with the Lord (over 4 years ago), the “new normal” for me has not been that normal! I need to work to support myself, but I also have a great support system in our grown kids, even though I don’t want to burden them—they have their own families. My question is this: How do I reach the point of really “knowing” what Gods’ plan is for me for the rest of my days here? I don’t feel like I am doing anything that is truly meaningful, falling short of His expectations . . . thank you.  —Dorothy

A: Although I wish it were possible for you, to know “God’s plan for (you) for the rest of (your) days here” simply isn’t realistic. Some people talk as though they know exactly what God expects of them, but it’s unlikely they do. The Bible tells us that the “righteous live by faith” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). If you already knew God’s plan for the rest of your life, you wouldn’t need faith.

Because we live by faith, we don’t need to seek foreknowledge of things to come, but respond trustfully and obediently to the circumstances God sets in our path. And I firmly believe that as you do the work before you, associate faithfully with family and friends, and participate in the life of a local congregation of believers, you’ll encounter things that are truly meaningful and leave an eternal legacy!  —Dan Vander Lugt

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