What does it mean to be radically available to God’s plan? Specifically, what concrete actions and mindsets characterize someone who is truly, radically available? How does this differ from simply being “open” to God’s will, and what potential sacrifices or discomforts might be involved? Are there biblical examples of individuals who exemplified radical availability, and what can we learn from their experiences, both positive and negative? Furthermore, how can one discern between God’s plan and their own desires, especially when those desires seem aligned with positive outcomes? Finally, in practical terms, how does someone cultivate this state of radical availability in their daily life, given the demands and distractions of the modern world, and what are some common pitfalls to avoid?
Answer
To be radically available to God’s plan means surrendering your own will, desires, and preconceived notions to fully embrace and actively participate in what you believe God intends for your life. It signifies a profound willingness to be used by God in whatever way, at whatever time, and in whatever place God directs, regardless of personal cost or comfort.
This availability involves several key components:
- Unconditional Trust: A deep faith in God’s wisdom, goodness, and love, even when His plan is unclear or seems contrary to your own understanding or desires. It’s believing that God’s plan ultimately serves a higher purpose and your best interests, even if it involves hardship or sacrifice.
- Openness to Guidance: A proactive seeking of God’s will through prayer, scripture study, wise counsel, and discernment. It requires being attentive to the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit and being receptive to divine revelation in various forms.
- Unwavering Obedience: A commitment to act on what you believe God is calling you to do, even when it’s difficult, inconvenient, or unpopular. This obedience stems from a love for God and a desire to please Him above all else.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: A willingness to let go of control and be open to unexpected changes in direction. God’s plan may unfold in ways you never anticipated, and radical availability requires being adaptable to these shifts, trusting that God is still leading you.
- Sacrifice and Selflessness: A readiness to put God’s purposes above your own ambitions and comforts. This may involve sacrificing time, resources, relationships, or even personal dreams in order to fulfill God’s calling.
- Humility and Submission: An acknowledgment that God’s wisdom is far greater than your own and a willingness to submit your will to His. It means recognizing that you are a vessel for God’s work and that His plan is ultimately more important than your own preferences.
- Consistent Perseverance: Remaining faithful to God’s plan even when faced with challenges, setbacks, or discouragement. It requires a steadfast commitment to follow God’s leading, even when the path is difficult or uncertain.
- Letting Go of Control: This involves releasing the need to control outcomes and trusting that God is in control. It means accepting that God’s plan may not align with your expectations or timelines, and surrendering to His perfect timing.
Radical availability does not necessarily mean that a person understands the entirety of God’s plan. Instead, it means adopting an attitude of complete surrender and willingness to follow God’s guidance step by step, trusting that He will reveal the path as you walk it in faith. It is an ongoing process of aligning your life with God’s will and becoming a vessel for His purposes in the world.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before you today, seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to be radically available to your plan. We often hold back, Lord, clinging to our own desires, our own timelines, and our own perceived safety. We build walls around our hearts, fearing what you might ask of us, what sacrifices you might require.
Show us, Lord, what it truly means to surrender completely, to empty ourselves of our own will and be filled with your divine purpose. Help us to see that being radically available isn’t about blind obedience, but about a profound trust in your goodness and wisdom. Teach us to listen for your still, small voice amidst the noise of the world and the clamor of our own ambitions.
Open our eyes to the opportunities you place before us, even when they seem daunting or inconvenient. Give us the courage to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, knowing that you will be with us every step of the way. Remind us that being radically available means laying down our own agendas and picking up your cross, trusting that your plan for our lives is far greater and more fulfilling than anything we could ever imagine for ourselves.
Grant us the grace to say “yes” to your call, even when we don’t understand the reasons why. Help us to be instruments of your love and compassion, reaching out to those in need and sharing the light of your presence with the world.
Lord, mold us, shape us, and use us for your glory. May our lives be a testament to your radical love and a reflection of your divine plan. We ask all of this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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