by Natasha Austin

Created on: February 26, 2009

How often has this question been asked? In times like these, when the economy is in such a slump and people are having a hard time just getting along day by day, the question seems to be asked more often. The answer, if simplified, is yes, He does. But usually people want to know details exactly what does God have in store for me? Personally I think this is truly what is being asked, usually by those who already are saved and know God and His Word. But I think often times the focus is wrong.

I can't count how many times we, even as Christians, have doubted where we are supposed to be in areas of our lives, whether our focus is career, family, church, etc. I certainly can attest that I have done so many times in my own life. I've been laid off twice in my lifetime, dealt with the rejection of friends and family alike, sat in a church or group asking why I was thereI could go on. While I believe being concerned about these things is important, I also believe that God intends for us to focus on what is most important to the kingdom, to His family. Where do we fit in as Christians? What is the purpose of our life here on Earth? And what difference does it make anyway?

It is best to look to scripture for the answers to these and other questions, and to seek out understanding of our role in the church according to God's Word. (In this case, I am not referring to a physical church, although that can fall right into this area of discussion.) There are several passages of scripture that point to what God has in mind for us, meaning people in general. First things first - He wants to bring man back into His family. We do this by repenting of our sins and believing in His Son Jesus the Christ, who suffered and died in our place. The punishment we deserved was placed onto Him, so that we would have a way back in with God the Father (who is Creator, Protector, Provider, etc.). We were cast out of the garden, out of the family of the creations of God, and our future was the pit. Through the sacrifice of Jesus the Lamb, the perfect Creation, considered so because He was in the holy, unblemished Image of God (Colossians 1:15), we now have the opportunity to be saved from that plight. So salvation from being discarded for eternity in Hell is the first plan God has for us.

Now, being saved isn't just about not winding up in Hell; with salvation also comes being called heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. Romans 8:29 states "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed

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