How to Live the Life God Designed for You
Over decades of ministry, I’ve come to believe that above everything else, the only foundation that holds is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can be intentional in a hundred different areas of your life—and intentional living works—but outside of Christ, it’s going to be hollow. That ONE THING is what everything else has to be built on.
God designed it that way on purpose. And He saved you on purpose too.
God loves you deeply and knows you personally.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27 NKJV).
- He knows you.
- He leads you.
John 1:12 tells us “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (NKJV). Through Christ, you have been welcomed into the family of God. You have a place with Him. You have access to Him. And you have every reason to live each day with purpose.
That’s why your salvation matters so much.
Salvation is far more than a future destination. Yes, heaven is real, and that promise is precious. But Jesus also came so you could know Him now, walk with Him today, and experience His life in you now.
Ephesians 2:8–9 makes clear that salvation is entirely God’s gift. It’s nothing we earned, or even deserve. But the very next verse tells us why: “God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why He sent Christ to make us what we are” (Ephesians 2:10 CEV). You are His specific work of art. You were saved and shaped for something.
That changes everything about how you wake up in the morning.
When the Fire Goes Out
If you’ve been a Christian for very long, remember the early days of walking with Christ. There was joy. There was gratitude, and a deep awareness that Jesus had changed everything. As time passes, familiarity sets in. The fire cools. We find ourselves going through the motions, but the fire is nearly gone.
Jesus spoke directly to this in Revelation 2:4–5, addressing the church at Ephesus: “You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (NIV). This church was doing a lot of good things. They were faithful to one another, hardworking, and doctrinally sound. But their relationship with God had become a routine rather than a relationship.
If that’s where you are today, take it seriously and go to God. Fresh passion begins with remembering:
- What Jesus has done for you.
- The mercy He showed you.
- And the peace that filled your heart when you first understood His grace.
Gratitude softens your heart and draws you close to Him again.
A Simple Next Step
If you’ve drifted from your first love, here’s where to start:
- Find a quiet place and make a list in your Bible or in a journal of the moments when you felt closest to God.
- Ask yourself: What was true then? What were you doing? What were you believing?
- Bring that list into prayer. Tell God where you are. Ask Him to ignite a genuine renewal of your relationship with Him.
Let your gratitude move you. Your salvation is the most intentional thing God has ever done for you. Purpose in your heart to live like it every day.
Start with Jesus
Your relationship with Jesus grows one day at a time. Our Start with Jesus YouVersion plan offers 50 days of scripture, reflection, and prayer to help you hear His voice, stay close to His heart, and walk with Him in a more personal way. If you’re ready to reconnect, grow deeper, and build your life on the foundation that holds, begin here: Start with Jesus on YouVersion.
