The Christian theology is in support of a divine destiny. That is that, God has a predetermined plan for each one of his children. For instance, God said to Jeremiah thus, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). This presupposes that God had a pre-determined plan for Jeremiah and for every child of His. This view also implies that the birth of a Christian is not an accident, but pre-planed for the purpose of God. The statement by the Psalmist in Psalm 139:15,16 further supports this position.
The Christian view of destiny also acknowledges that man was created with the ability to make moral choices and decisions. Man is responsible for his choices and decisions. For example, the fall of man at Eden was not predetermined by God. Adam and Eve made their choice to obey or to disobey God. In Deuteronomy 30:15,19 God gave to Israel a clear choice to make and advised her to choose life. Man lives with the consequences of whatever choices he makes.
The Christian view of destiny believes that there is a place for the sovereign will of God, but also, there is a place for man’s personal choice. For us to fulfill our destiny we must make the right decisions and choices.
THE BELIEVER’S DESTINY IN CHRIST
Paul’s writings on the subject of destiny are enlightening. He wrote that the destiny of every Christian is in Christ. First, he argues, that every believer’s destiny is to be like Christ. In Romans 8:28-29 he says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Secondly, Paul states that every believer’s destiny is to sonship and to be holy and without fault in our Lord Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 1:4-5, he captures this fact thus: “Just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Paul further show what our responsibility is to fulfilling our call to holiness. He states in Ephesians 2:10, that we are created in Christ Jesus so that we can do the things which God has pre-planed.
THE BOOK OF DESTINY
The apostle John, in his vision in Revelation 5:5,6, saw the Lamb of God receive and open a book which no one in heaven and on the earth, was found capable to open. The mystery about this book is the content. Some say, it is Christ’s title deed to the earth. It is my view that this book contains the destiny of nations and of God’s children.
DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT DESTINY: these are some of the different views about destiny;
The Bible teaches that destiny can be fulfilled. Jesus and the apostle Paul fulfilled their destinies.
The Bible also teaches that you can miss the destiny of God for your life. Judas missed the destiny of God for his life. King Saul also missed the destiny of God for his life.
Destiny could be stolen. This group argues that Jacob stole the destiny of his brother, Esau.
Some are of the view that destiny could be manipulated or exchanged. Some African cultures believe that people’s destiny could be manipulated, even though we cannot defend this view from the scriptures.
We must strive to actualize our destiny. Joseph fought for the destiny of his life. (Genesis 49:22-26). Samson also battled for the destiny of his life. God can turn disaster around. He can turn failure around. The prodigal son was a near disaster until he had a turn around. Satan almost ruined the destiny of God for his life.
You can reject any evil destiny that hangs over you even if you were born into it. (Jeremiah 31:29-30). Jabez rejected the evil omen of his background and fought for the destiny of his life (1 Chronicles 4:9-11).
DESTINY HELPERS AND DESTINY DESTROYERS
There are destiny helpers. Angels are among our destiny helpers. Pharaoh’s daughter was a destiny preserver to Moses. There are destiny destroyers. Haman was one of them. Herod was a destiny destroyer.
SEEK TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR DESTINY IS
There are many examples of aborted destinies in the Bible. The first step to fulfilling one’s destiny is to have an understanding of what it is. You cannot actualize or pursue what you don’t know.
We all have a role to work out our destiny (Philippians 2:12). We have a responsibility to persevere and fulfill our God-given destiny. Despite the prophecies that were given concerning David and the throne, he worked to actualize the prophecies over his life. God sent in volunteers who helped him to actualize the prophecies of God concerning him. Haman and Esther’s effort helped to preserve the destiny of the Jews in Shusan.
The greatest desire of every Christian must be to fulfill the destiny of God for his life. To fulfill our destinies in Christ, we must put our gifts, talents, time and resources to use by serving God. Christian service is the key to fulfilling our destinies in Christ. As we serve God and others, we shall realize the purpose for which we are created in Christ.
CONTACT: acukachi@gmail.com
