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God Has a Plan for Your Life: The Discovery that Makes All the Difference
While you may not understand all the twists and turns of life, you can be sure of one the same God who created you, loves you. God’s personal promise to you is one of extreme hope and potential (Jeremiah 29:11). He also has an awesome strategy for your future. No matter what failure you have experienced in the past, you can learn how to make right choices at every juncture in your life. In God Has A Plan for Your Life, Dr. Charles Stanley explains that there is no such thing as coincidence, luck, or good fortune. God is sovereign, and He has a course that He wants you to follow. He opens and closes exciting doors of opportunity, but it is up to you to step through each one by faith. You don’t have to miss another exciting moment. You can live each day with a sense of hope and assurance that whatever comes your way has passed through God’s omnipotent, loving hands. This book outlines the exact steps that will lead you to discover His plan for your life.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2008
339 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Charles F. Stanley
554 books686 followersDr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 21, 2018
Yet another good Charles Stanley book. In ways, it made me think a lot about his book, “How to Reach Your Full Potential for God”—just a shorter read.
This one I listened to as I went walking. It did seem like he repeated several things a bit, but at the same time, all of the reminders were really great and put the focus back on God, making no excuses for sin, yet highlighting Biblical examples of how God still worked mightily in men and women of the past for His glory.
It was a great book to get things refocused on seeking God for His wisdom and direction in every aspect of life.
This one I listened to as I went walking. It did seem like he repeated several things a bit, but at the same time, all of the reminders were really great and put the focus back on God, making no excuses for sin, yet highlighting Biblical examples of how God still worked mightily in men and women of the past for His glory.
It was a great book to get things refocused on seeking God for His wisdom and direction in every aspect of life.
December 17, 2020
Isn’t it amazing when a book finds you? I wasn’t looking for a book like this, yet it caught my eye. I have never read a Charles Stanley book before. When I got to the chapter on God’s will and Dr. Stanley talks about vocations and careers?!
“He wants you to discover the vocation that He created you to do. In fact, He has chosen an occupation that fits your skill, ability, talent, personality, and spiritual gift. He gave each one of these to you before you were born. He will never place you in a position you are not equipped to handle. If he leads you into a certain career, you can be assured that He will equip you to handle it.”
How powerful is that!?
“He wants you to discover the vocation that He created you to do. In fact, He has chosen an occupation that fits your skill, ability, talent, personality, and spiritual gift. He gave each one of these to you before you were born. He will never place you in a position you are not equipped to handle. If he leads you into a certain career, you can be assured that He will equip you to handle it.”
How powerful is that!?
August 13, 2016
This is an outstanding book for those who want to take the first step in discovering exactly what God wants you to do. Sometimes God will whisper but God is always waiting for you to make the first move. One of the many distractions is the world with all its noise, which makes it difficult to talk to and listen to God. One must keep in mind that God love is unconditional. But here again all we have to do is to ask God for help. Again God has a plan for each of our lives. It is personally tailored to each person he creates and has created. Some people say, well, I haven't found God or I don't know God or I hate God. Regardless God continues to love us but God hates all actions that go against His will or another way to put it is the Ten Commandments. Again the book points out that sometimes things to not happen quickly so we have to wait but in the as we wait we pray for the answers with humble spirit. God does not want you to do great things but small things in a great way. Also as God for faith and God will give it to you because faith is doing things well without using your eyes but listening to God who is always with all of us. Prayer and praying is very important and one must pray without ceasing. The book is a guide in handling difficult situations that come to all of us. So, we must all keep in mind the three greatest things that can get us from here to heaven and eternity are Faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. God loves us more than we may ever know here in this world but in the next if we pray, obey, and carry out God's plan for each one of us we just might get there and if we do it will be like homecoming. Why? Well, what we are living here is strictly temporary; we are like a traveler just passing through. Our real home is in heaven but to get there we must be sure that God becomes a personal friend who we talk to every day. Keep in mind that the last four things in life are: (1.) Death; (2.) Judgement; (3.) Heaven; or (4.) Hell. None of us knows the date or the hour God will say, "That it is over and we have to present an accounting of our life." This book gives you many recommendations how to handle certain situations through real case studies; but not to worry they are not boring! After you complete the book you will be well on your way to talking to God daily through prayer and carrying out the mission God has for each of us. It is not a secret; all you have to do is ask God and He will tell you. So, the bottom line is God has a plan for your life.
May 22, 2018
Very Inspirational with Good Examples
Charles Stanley writes about "God's desired will." Since God knows is better than we know ourselves and is all knowing and knows our future, He knows when we will stray from His plan for our lives. Having stated this, I think I finally see what Charles Stanley means when he writes about "God's desired will." He means that we may go against God's desired will. That is our free will. God knows when we will do that.
What I got out of this book is that the most important way to find God's will for your life is to read the Bible. Read it daily so you will know God's will for your life.
I liked Charles Stanley's use of personal and Biblical examples. This was a very good book. Stanley is indeed inspired by God.
Charles Stanley writes about "God's desired will." Since God knows is better than we know ourselves and is all knowing and knows our future, He knows when we will stray from His plan for our lives. Having stated this, I think I finally see what Charles Stanley means when he writes about "God's desired will." He means that we may go against God's desired will. That is our free will. God knows when we will do that.
What I got out of this book is that the most important way to find God's will for your life is to read the Bible. Read it daily so you will know God's will for your life.
I liked Charles Stanley's use of personal and Biblical examples. This was a very good book. Stanley is indeed inspired by God.
December 23, 2017
I should begin by stating that Charles Stanley is my favorite TV preacher and is the only one I will watch. I always feel like I have been fed by the truth of the Word when I watch or when I read one of his books.
The same held true with this book. I have read several of Dr. Stanley’s books, and none of them have disappointed me! This book will help to guide you on the path that God has planned for your life. When you realize that God Loves you and has a plan for your life you will want to discover what that plan is. Surrendering to God’s will is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. I recommend that you read this book with an open mind, an open heart, and an open Bible. God bless!
The same held true with this book. I have read several of Dr. Stanley’s books, and none of them have disappointed me! This book will help to guide you on the path that God has planned for your life. When you realize that God Loves you and has a plan for your life you will want to discover what that plan is. Surrendering to God’s will is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. I recommend that you read this book with an open mind, an open heart, and an open Bible. God bless!
July 5, 2023
Practical Advice
Once again Dr. Stanley has explained an important topic through teaching God’s Word in detail and in a way that is easy to understand. Want to know about God’s will? Read this book. Be prepared to highlight and note many passages and relevant thoughts shared by this man of God. And though he is now in Heaven where he no longer has to walk by faith as he now walks by sight, we who are still here can greatly benefit from his years of intense study, practical application of God’s word, and marvelous faith. I’m glad I read it!
Once again Dr. Stanley has explained an important topic through teaching God’s Word in detail and in a way that is easy to understand. Want to know about God’s will? Read this book. Be prepared to highlight and note many passages and relevant thoughts shared by this man of God. And though he is now in Heaven where he no longer has to walk by faith as he now walks by sight, we who are still here can greatly benefit from his years of intense study, practical application of God’s word, and marvelous faith. I’m glad I read it!
January 9, 2022
Surrendering to God's plan
I thought this was a very good book in guiding the reader to finding God's will for their life by first explaining that it is essential they be surrendered to God and have given him complete control of all areas of their life. In order to hear his direction, they must also have knowledge of and continue to study his word.
I thought this was a very good book in guiding the reader to finding God's will for their life by first explaining that it is essential they be surrendered to God and have given him complete control of all areas of their life. In order to hear his direction, they must also have knowledge of and continue to study his word.
June 29, 2017
God has a plan
Such an uplifting book. Love Charles Stanley's books so easy to read and understand but he brings his thoughts through. This book is no different. I certainly recommend this book.
Such an uplifting book. Love Charles Stanley's books so easy to read and understand but he brings his thoughts through. This book is no different. I certainly recommend this book.
September 1, 2020
God's plan for your life
Great read. Concise and two the point. Good as a reminder to those who have been saved and for those who are just beginning the journey. I would recommend this book.
Great read. Concise and two the point. Good as a reminder to those who have been saved and for those who are just beginning the journey. I would recommend this book.
September 6, 2023
Dr. Stanley gets right to the heart of things
I love the way Dr. Stanley writes; I can almost hear his slight southern drawl as I’m reading. He does not sugar coat the gospel. He tells it the way the Bible does. I highly recommend this book to everyone on the Christian journey.
I love the way Dr. Stanley writes; I can almost hear his slight southern drawl as I’m reading. He does not sugar coat the gospel. He tells it the way the Bible does. I highly recommend this book to everyone on the Christian journey.
February 19, 2025
God's timing is always perfect. So many times I want push through life and not wait on God's timing. This book was good lesson on how we can easily drift down wrong road. Praise and prayer to God and he will direct us through life.
January 19, 2018
Read this book!
This is a great book anyone looking to have a relationship with God should read this book. I would recommend this to all.
This is a great book anyone looking to have a relationship with God should read this book. I would recommend this to all.
November 25, 2019
Thank you
My heart has reopened. I am born anew again in His name. Thank you Charles Stanley for these encouraging word.
My heart has reopened. I am born anew again in His name. Thank you Charles Stanley for these encouraging word.
January 3, 2020
Great inspiration
I love Charles Stanley his books and preaching are all easy to understand and very informative. I pray many lives are brought to Jesus through his books.
I love Charles Stanley his books and preaching are all easy to understand and very informative. I pray many lives are brought to Jesus through his books.
January 3, 2020
The style of the narrator was less the desirable.
April 10, 2022
Awesome. Powerful, life changing book!
July 25, 2022
Bravo. Very good book.
December 1, 2010
The book is a short, simple reminder that God cares for His children and has plans for us that reach beyond what we can see. It's a nice encouragement for the valleys of life.
Some of the best quotes from within:
"We don't walk spiritually by electric light but by a hand lantern. And a lantern only shows the next step - not several ahead." - Amy Carmichael
"Peace is God's umpire. When we have a true sense of peace within, then we know that what we are doing is right in the center of His will." - Charles Stanley
Some of the best quotes from within:
"We don't walk spiritually by electric light but by a hand lantern. And a lantern only shows the next step - not several ahead." - Amy Carmichael
"Peace is God's umpire. When we have a true sense of peace within, then we know that what we are doing is right in the center of His will." - Charles Stanley
June 9, 2014
A great book that reminds you that God has a plan for your life! One of the best reminders in the book is that "God speaks to us primarily through His Word." So, we need to read it!
Some verses quoted on page 141...
"I know the plans I have for you." Jeremiah 29:11
"I have inscribed your name on the palms of My hand." Isaiah 49:16
"Nothing can separate you from My love." Romans 8:35
"My love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18
"I will never leave you." John 14:18
"My thoughts of you are too numerous to count." Psalm 40:5
"I go to prepare a place for you and you will be with Me." John 14:2
Some verses quoted on page 141...
"I know the plans I have for you." Jeremiah 29:11
"I have inscribed your name on the palms of My hand." Isaiah 49:16
"Nothing can separate you from My love." Romans 8:35
"My love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18
"I will never leave you." John 14:18
"My thoughts of you are too numerous to count." Psalm 40:5
"I go to prepare a place for you and you will be with Me." John 14:2
June 8, 2009
I like Charles Stanley as an author but this book just didn't meet his normal standards. The ultimate question is What is God's plan for my life? This book provided the standard responses I have seen in most of the other books out there and didn't offer anything new. Immerse yourself in God's word, pray for guidance, listen to others etc. It is a quick read and a good reminder of what is out there already.
February 26, 2009
This book offers concrete opportunities to examine your life and the book offers ways in which the reader can connect with God's plan and purpose for one's life.
It differs from the Purpose Driven Life yet gives much of the same information. I personally prefer the style of writing in this book over the former in forcing introspection and meditation on specific points.
It differs from the Purpose Driven Life yet gives much of the same information. I personally prefer the style of writing in this book over the former in forcing introspection and meditation on specific points.
May 15, 2023
I hold that Dr. Stanley presented the knowledge and information thoroughly; however, I still feel unsure I can grasp and really obtain the answers and direction I long for. But I will definitely try and press on in faith and hope. Go back and take points into prayer and mediation.
July 15, 2012
Easy read without a lot of fluff, right to the heart of things. Inspirational writing but also practical an thought provoking.
July 7, 2014
A much simpler, and easier read than "Purpose Driven Life."
March 14, 2013
Great book!
March 12, 2016
A very encouraging book about how God has good plans for us, even when we mess up.
May 19, 2019
Very inspiring
Bought for someone in prison. I'm sure it will be a blessing and help them to get through their incarceration.
Bought for someone in prison. I'm sure it will be a blessing and help them to get through their incarceration.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews