Last updated on October 9, 2024
Ever wonder how different your life would be if you didn’t have faith in a higher power – God? I mean, really think about it. No divine guidance, no comfort in times of need, no hope for eternity. It’s a pretty bleak picture.
As a young high school graduate in the early 2000s, I was eager to dive into the world of tech and engineering through trade school at the college level. I had big plans, and I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. But then I took a step back and asked God for direction. And you know what? “He told me that my plans weren’t His plan.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
“I recall the Spirit of God telling me: You won’t make the kind of money I want you to make if you follow your own plans”
At first, I was confused. Why wouldn’t God want me to pursue my dreams? But as I sought His guidance, He revealed a different path for me. It wasn’t easy to yield, but I’m so glad I did.
The Story of David
Think about David, the young shepherd boy who became king of Israel. He didn’t seek to become king, but God had other plans. (1 Samuel 16:13) David’s life is a testament to the fact that God’s ways are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:9)
The Story of Paul Or consider Paul, who was once a zealous Pharisee but became a passionate follower of Christ. He thought he knew what was best, but God had to knock him off his horse to get his attention. (Acts 9:1-31)
My Story
Looking back, I realize that my life would be vastly different if I hadn’t yielded to God’s direction. I might be successful in the eyes of the world, but I would be empty inside. Today, I’m grateful for the journey God has taken me on.
The Vacuum of Wealth
Haven’t you read stories of people who, despite having it all, felt empty inside? Take the story of Chuck Feeney, co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers. He was a billionaire who had everything – wealth, success, and fame. But despite his outward success, he felt unfulfilled and empty inside.
However, after surrendering his life to Christ, Feeney found a new sense of purpose. He began to see that his wealth and success were not ends in themselves, but rather means to an end. He started to use his resources to make a positive impact on the world, donating almost his entire fortune to charity through his foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies.
I was raised as a Catholic, but I got up to go to church because I thought I’d be hit by a bolt of lightning if I didn’t.
– Chuck Feeney
Feeney’s story is a testament to the fact that true fulfillment comes not from wealth or material possessions, but from a relationship with God. When we surrender our lives to Him, we find a new sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond earthly success.
Feeney’s remarkable journey is an inspiration to us all. He went from being a self-described “frugal billionaire” to a generous philanthropist, giving away over $8 billion during his lifetime. His legacy is a reminder that true wealth is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the positive impact we have on the world.
As Feeney himself said, “I believe strongly in giving while living.” His story shows us that when we put God first and use our resources to serve others, we find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond anything the world can offer.
What About You?
So, what’s life without God?
It’s a life without purpose, without hope, without direction. But with God, we have a life filled with meaning, comfort, and guidance. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Don’t be afraid to ask God for direction. He might just surprise you with a plan that’s better than your own. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Take it from me, yielding to God’s direction is the best decision you’ll ever make!
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