OPENING STATEMENT:

• When asked how he carved all these sculptures, Michelangelo responded: “they were already there. I just sculpted away everything that was not there until its true form was revealed”
• The same is true when it comes to God’s plan for our lives. When we allow Him to remove everything in our lives that are not meant to be there, His true plan is revealed.

OPENING SCRIPTURE

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29: 11 NIV)

• We are PART OF HIS PLAN.
Instead of a roadmap, God gives us: His Word, His promise, An invitation to walk with Him.

“Go to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1)

• God gave Abraham an instruction, not a destination.
• As Abraham obeyed. God revealed His plan step by step.

#1: GOD’S PLAN BEGINS WITH A STEP, NOT A MAP

“A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step” – Old Chinese proverb.
Abraham’s journey did not begin with a map, but a step.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘GO from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’ … So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…” (Genesis 12:1-4 NIV)

• God’s plan is outlined in steps. It is a step by step adventure.
• Never wait for the full picture, but always wait for that one instruction.
• Use the 80/20 rule.
• 80% of based on your research and homework. And if that 80% lines up with God word and you have his peace – Move Forward.
• 20% remaining – all about faith.
• That 20% faith will anchor you. It will keep you humble.

By FAITH Abraham OBEYED when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. AND HE WENT OUT, NOT KNOWING WHERE HE WAS GOING. (Hebrews 11:8 NKJ)

• The 80% for Abraham is the fact that he heard God’s instructions to go.
• The 20% for Abraham is the fact that he went out not knowing where he was going.

#2: GOD REVEALS HIS PLAN THROUGH RELATIONSHIP, NOT ROUTINE

God does not reveal His plan through formulas but through relationship.

“He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars… So shall your offspring be.’ ABRAM BELIEVED THE LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:5-6 NIV)

• Abraham believed because his RELATIONSHIP with God was based on TRUST!

TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJ)

• Trust that God has a plan for you. You are Part of The Plan!
• Trust in a relationship is built over time.
• Always prioritize time with God – prayer and in the Word. The more you know His voice, the more you will recognize His guidance.
• Seek more of His presence than His plan—because HIS PRESENCE IS THE PLAN.

#3: GOD USES OBEDIENCE TO UNFOLD THE BIGGER PICTURE

• Genesis 22, we see Abraham willingness to obey God even when it did not make sense – offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice.

You see that HIS FAITH and HIS ACTIONS were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (James 2:22 NIV)

• Faith needs to be accompanied by actions. Without actions, faith is dead!

If you are WILLING and OBEDIENT, you will eat the good things of the land. (Isaiah 1:19 NIV)

• Willingness and obedience tie in with your faith.
• Never underestimate your daily obedience.
• He might not give you a roadmap for your journey, but He gives you: His Word, His Spirit, and His presence.
• Don’t ask for the master plan and start listening for the Master’s voice.

CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message.