Staying Aligned with God's Plan
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
We long to walk in the will of God and though we may not always understand the full picture, Scripture reminds us:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
You are God’s workmanship intentionally crafted, spiritually reborn, and divinely appointed to walk in works that He ordained.
But what happens when the direction doesn’t feel clear? When God's plans unfold more slowly or more painfully than we anticipated?
Let’s go deeper into what the Scriptures teach us about trusting God’s plans and how to walk forward in faith.
When God Calls You Forward, Don’t Look Back
One of the clearest biblical warnings about looking back is the story of Lot’s wife. When judgment came upon Sodom and Gomorrah, the angel of the Lord gave one instruction: “Do not look back” (Genesis 19:17). But she turned and in doing so, became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).
Why?
Because her body left the city, but her heart never did. She looked back in longing to what God had already left behind.
Jesus reinforces this call forward in Luke 9:62:
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
He even said, “Remember Lot’s wife!” Luke 17:32
This short verse comes from Jesus’ teaching about the coming of the Kingdom of God and the suddenness of judgment.
Context of the Passage
In Luke 17:20–37, Jesus is teaching about the return of the Son of Man. A future moment when God’s judgment and kingdom will be fully revealed. He emphasizes:
It will come suddenly (vv. 24, 26–30)
It will divide people (vv. 34–36)
It demands readiness and detachment from this world
Right in the middle of this teaching, Jesus gives a powerful, three-word warning: “Remember Lot’s wife.”
Who Was Lot’s Wife? (Genesis 19)
Lot’s wife was part of a family God rescued from the wicked city of Sodom, just before He brought judgment upon it. The angels warned them not to look back as they fled (Genesis 19:17).
But as they were escaping:
“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26
Her "looking back" symbolized a reluctant heart, a longing for what God had called her to leave behind. She hesitated in obedience, and it cost her everything.
The Meaning in Jesus’ Words
When Jesus says, “Remember Lot’s wife,” He is issuing a warning against divided hearts.
Don’t long for a life God has called you out of. Her heart was still in Sodom. She couldn’t let go of what God was judging.
Be ready to let go when the Lord calls. Jesus had just said: “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.” Luke 17:33
Don’t look back when God is calling you forward. This reflects Jesus’ words in Luke 9:62: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Practical Application Today
Don’t cling to the world’s ways while claiming to follow Christ. You can’t move toward God and backward toward sin at the same time.
Let go of relationships, habits, or self-interests that God is asking you to surrender. Be alert. The Kingdom of God will be revealed suddenly, don’t wait until it’s too late to choose obedience.
Like Paul, we’re called to press on:
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13–14
When God calls you into His will, He calls you forward. Don’t cling to the past. Don’t try to revive what God has ended. Obedience looks ahead.
Staying on Track with God’s Will
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God has already prepared the works, we are called to walk in them. So how do we stay aligned?
Stay rooted in Scripture. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. God’s will never contradicts His Word. If you want clarity, saturate your soul with His truth.
Be led by the Spirit. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14. The Spirit of God leads us to Christlikeness. He will prompt, correct, and guide you.
Walk in obedience with what’s in your hands. “Whoever is faithful with little will also be faithful with much.” Luke 16:10. You may not know the full plan, but if you know your next step, take it.
How Do You Know You’re in God’s Will?
Here are biblical markers that you’re walking in His will:
Your life aligns with Scripture
Your decisions reflect humility, holiness, and obedience
You experience peace and see fruit including growth, faith, faithfulness
And above all, you trust that He who called you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Surrendering to the Greater Plan
He saved you to walk in purpose, to reflect His glory, and to do the good works He prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). His will might lead through pruning seasons but they are always making you more fruitful.
This is what I explore in my book, Sin the Great Joker how obedience can realign us with God’s will. It’s a call to walk in the fullness of who God created you to be.
If that resonates with where you are right now, I invite you to get your copy click here.
I pray it blesses, sharpens, and revives your faith.
Final Encouragement
Remember: you are God’s workmanship.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
So walk forward, His plans are good, and His will is still unfolding… one surrendered step at a time.
”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a heartfelt and thoughtful review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
