Simon Birch: God's Plan

  • Matt Cavanaugh
  • Oct 30, 2006

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  (Romans 12:1, NIV)

There has been one message that God has absolutely pounded into my head this past year:

God has a purpose set forth for me with regards to His ultimate plan.

Whoa.

Have you ever seen that movie Simon Birch?   It's not the most amazing movie (I'd say it's worth a blockbuster rental) - but there are some really interesting themes and ideas in it.      In case you don't know, Simon Birch is the story about a boy who is born abnormally small.   His peers in school and the folks around town mock him because of his abnormality.   But Simon maintains the idea that God has a plan for him.   He chooses not to lament or get down on himself.   He chooses to have a perspective that his life has meaning, even though he is different.   I won't give away the ending - but let's just say that Simon's differently-abledness turns into an amazing gift and he makes a huge difference in the lives of many people because of it.

I don't want to focus on the fact that Simon Birch was a small person.   I don't want to even focus on the fact that his handicap becomes a gift.  I want to point out his perspective.   Instead of saying "I am going to do something good for God in my life," he says "God has a plan for me."

God has a plan for me.   God has a plan for you.   God has a plan for each of us.  

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  (Romans 12:1, NIV)

One of my best friends was recently involved in a very serious altercation and, 2 weeks later, is still unconscious in intensive care.   It is extremely easy to become saddened by this event.   Sure, I miss my friend, and I'm concerned.   But I've put my hope in that aforementioned fact: God has a plan for Brian.   I don't understand it.   I don't even have to really like it.   But God is going to do something awesome with this event for His glory.

I want my life to mean something profound.   I can't think of anything more profound than being a part of God's ultimate plan.   I find myself constantly asking God how I can be a piece in His puzzle.   Sometimes I don't like the answers - but I'm learning that my life isn't mine.   My existence is not about me - it is about God.   My life is not mine - it is God's.   My things are not mine - they are God's.   Since I've accepted these things, everything in life has changed in some amazing ways.  

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  (Romans 12:1, NIV)

Your life has value.  You have a reason for existing.   Try asking God what parts of His puzzle you are here to be - and listen for an answer.  If you offer yourself to God, He will respond.   It may be wonderful or scary or overwhelming or whatever - but, guaranteed, it will be awesome.