“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Many people misunderstand the term “destiny.” They think it means unalterable conclusion—that it is fate or karma or that you can’t change it. Some people think that God determines your destiny, and it’s going to happen no matter what you do.

In fact, that’s not what God says. The Bible teaches two very important truths about your destiny.

One is that God’s destiny for your life is good. A lot of people think their destiny is bad or negative. But the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (NIV). God says his plan—his destiny—for your life is a good plan. 

You may have had a terrible or painful past. But the truth is, the story isn’t over. 

The second truth about your destiny is this: You get to choose it. Did you know that? The Bible says that God gives you a choice. You can reject the good destiny God has planned for you. It’s not automatic.

Joshua learned this lesson as he was about to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the desert. In Deuteronomy 30:15-16 God says, “Today I offer you life and prosperity or death and destruction. This is what I'm commanding you today: Love the LORD your God, follow his directions, and obey his commands, laws, and rules. Then you will live, your population will increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you're about to enter and take possession of” (GW).

Notice two things about Joshua’s experience. First, God had prepared a destiny for the children of Israel. He told them he’d already chosen that land for them and was going to give it to them. It was the Promised Land after all!  But second, he said, you’re going to have to possess it. I’m not just going to hand it to you on a platter. You have to make the choice. 

God wants you to succeed in life with the good destiny he’s planned for you. Here’s my question: Would you like to live life being who God made you to be, doing what he made you to do, and having what he made you to have? It’s not automatic. God says it’s your choice.

What will you choose?