“Good Idea vs. God Idea: 4 Powerful Steps to Discern His Plan for Your Life”
The Difference Between Good and God
Not all good ideas are God ideas. While good ideas may align with our skills, desires, or opportunities, a God idea is divinely inspired, purposeful, and brings glory to Him. Psalm 37:4-5 reminds us: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
This verse offers a simple yet profound truth: when we align our hearts with God, He shapes our desires to reflect His will. Discerning a God idea begins with seeking Him first, committing our plans to Him, and trusting Him to act in His perfect timing. Through the principles of Acknowledge, Turn Inward & Upward, Own Your Story, and Move Forward (A.T.O.M.), we can faithfully navigate the process of discernment and obedience to His call.
Signs of a God Idea
When I look back on my journey with Girls Impacting Future Today (G.I.F.T.) Leadership and Mentorship Program, I see how God provided unmistakable signs that it was His idea. Here are some of those signs and how the A.T.O.M. principles guided me through the process:
- Acknowledge & Assess: It Stretches You Beyond Your Comfort Zone
God often calls us to assignments that feel beyond our natural abilities, reminding us to rely on Him fully. When He placed G.I.F.T. on my heart, I had no experience with youth ministry or mentoring young girls. I was simply a mother to a son, finishing my Master of Arts degree from LRU, and feeling unqualified for the task. Yet, God equips those He calls.
Psalm 37:23-24 reassures us:
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.”
Acknowledging our limitations while assessing His call allows us to step forward in faith, trusting that He will uphold us even when we feel stretched.
- Turn Inward & Turn Upward: Doors Open Unexpectedly
A key sign of a God idea is when He orchestrates opportunities you could never have created on your own. Early in the G.I.F.T. journey, I was introduced to a school principal through someone at my church. What started as a casual meeting turned into a partnership that launched the program. Turning inward to reflect and upward to seek His guidance allows us to see these divine connections as His confirmation. - Own Your Story: Provision Comes in Unexpected Ways
When God gives you a vision, He also provides the resources to accomplish it. At the time, I wasn’t working full-time and didn’t have the funds to launch a nonprofit. Yet God provided every detail—the program’s structure, support from the community, and everything else needed. Owning the story He writes for us means recognizing His provision and giving Him the glory. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” - Move Forward: It Bears Lasting Fruit
A God idea always produces fruit that brings Him glory. Despite my initial doubts, I moved forward with the vision God gave me for G.I.F.T., trusting Him to handle the results. Today, I still keep in touch with some of the young women from the program. Seeing them thrive as adults, wives, and mothers is a testament to the eternal impact of obedience to God’s calling.
What to Do When You’re Unsure
Discerning God’s will isn’t always easy. Sometimes, the answer feels unclear, or we fear stepping in the wrong direction. Here are some steps to navigate doubts:
- Pray for Confirmation: Bring your uncertainties before God in prayer, asking Him to clarify your next steps. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Journal and Reflect: Write down your thoughts and feelings to identify patterns in how God might be leading you.
- Seek Wise Counsel: Speak with a trusted mentor, pastor, or friend who can provide godly insight.
- Take a Small Step of Faith: Even if you’re unsure, take one small action. God often reveals the next step as we move forward in trust.
The Fruit Test
Another way to discern if something is a God idea is by examining the fruit it produces. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16-17, “By their fruit you will recognize them… Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
Here’s how to recognize the fruit of a God idea:
- Immediate Fruit: Peace, provision, and alignment with His Word.
- Long-Term Fruit: Changed lives, deeper faith, and opportunities for growth that glorify God.
If the fruit points back to Him, you can trust you’re walking in His will.
Practical Steps with A.T.O.M.
The A.T.O.M. principles can help you stay aligned with God’s guidance:
- Acknowledge & Assess: Spend time journaling your current situation. Write down what excites you and what feels uncertain. Pray for God to reveal whether this is His assignment for you.
- Turn Inward & Turn Upward: Dedicate 15 minutes each day to stillness before God, reflecting on His Word and listening for His guidance.
- Own Your Story: Write out your testimony of how God has used your life experiences to prepare you for this moment. Share it with a trusted friend or mentor for encouragement.
- Move Forward: Take one small step toward obedience this week—whether it’s making a phone call, writing down your idea, or seeking wise counsel.
Encouragement to Trust God’s Plan
If you’re feeling unsure, take heart. God doesn’t expect perfection—just a willing heart and a step of faith. Remember, His plans are always for your good and His glory. As Psalm 37:4-5 reminds us, when we delight in Him, He shapes our desires and provides everything we need to fulfill His purpose.
Trust Him, take that step, and watch how He transforms your obedience into something extraordinary.
A’s Love Notes
- Reflect on a time when God opened an unexpected door in your life. How did He establish your steps?
- Consider an area where you’re unsure if it’s a good idea or a God idea. Commit it to the Lord this week in prayer.
- Write down one way you can delight in the Lord today, trusting Him to shape your desires.
