As believers, we are called to be like Jesus. 1 John 2:6 says, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." It's our calling–to grow in faith and become more like Christ.
This journey of faith involves pursuit—chasing after God's will and following the right people who shape our future.
The Law of Pursuit teaches us how the people we follow, the voices we listen to, and the instructions we obey determine our spiritual growth and destiny.
When you apply the principles I have laid out for you, you will see your life radically change.
1. Follow God First
Ephesians 5:1–2 (NLT) — 1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
The Bible calls us to imitate God, as children naturally imitate their parents.
In Ephesians, we are reminded to imitate Him, walk in love, as Christ did, and offer our lives as a sacrifice to God. Jesus Himself said in John 5:19, "Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." This scripture shows us that following God is the foundation of a Christ-centered life.
Jesus' first instruction to His disciples was simple and proved His plan for us: "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:18-19). He promised that those who followed would be transformed into "fishers of men." We cannot become who God has called us to be without seeking Him first.
2. Follow Godly People
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT) — 1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
The Apostle Paul instructs believers to follow him as he follows Christ; this takes our walk to another level.
Not only are we to follow God, but we are to recognize that God has placed gifts in our lives to pattern our lives after. He places spiritual leaders and mentors in our lives to model Christlike behavior and open doors to our spiritual journey that we can walk in.
When we follow those who are faithful, patient, and grounded in scripture (1 Timothy 3:10, 14), it causes growth and maturity in our lives. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences will propel us toward the ultimate plan He has for us.
3. Who You Follow Determines Your Destiny
Romans 8:5–6 (NLT) — 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
To know where you're going, look at who you're following. Apostle Paul warns that those who set their minds on the flesh will reap death, while those who set their minds on the Spirit will receive life and peace.
Those we follow play a huge role in where our tomorrows will lead us. But do not be ignorant to think it doesn't stop with people. Be mindful of other influences you allow into your life that can steer you—whether through entertainment, music, or personal relationships.
What you listen to or feed yourself reveals what you're pursuing.
4. The Instruction You Follow Determines Your Future
Proverbs 2:1–5 (NLT) — 1 My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. 2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding.
A protégé, or follower, isn't just someone who seeks advice; they heed it. Listening to and following godly instruction is a fast track to spiritual growth and success.
Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me." We must be attentive to His voice to navigate life's journey successfully. And we must learn to follow His leading when He places someone in our lives to follow after.
Walk in the steps of the one leading you, and you are less likely to fall into a ditch.
5. Your Passion Drives Your Reach
Matthew 7:7 (NLT) — 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Jesus teaches that those who seek will find, and those who knock will have doors opened.
Your passion for Christ will determine the lengths you're willing to go to pursue His will. It's not enough to dislike where you are—you must intentionally reach for more.
What you pursue, you will eventually possess. And your passions will fuel your desire to reach further!
6. Prayer: Proof of Your Pursuit
Your prayer life is the clearest indicator of what you're pursuing. Proverbs 8:17 and Jeremiah 29:13 remind us that those who seek God diligently will find Him.
If you're unwilling to pray about your future, you're not fully committed to pursuing it. Prayer aligns your heart with God's will, giving you the strength to pursue His purpose.
Psalm 63:1 says, "A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
When was the last time our desire to reach our future drove us to our knees to the point where it looks like this scripture? It's time to place our passion and pursuits on the altar of God and cry out to know His will.
7. What You Pursue, You Will Possess
Mark 5:27–29 (NLT) — 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.
The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 illustrates that pursuit is the seed for possession. She reached out to Jesus, believing that if she could touch His garment, she would be healed—and she was. Similarly, our faith-filled pursuit of God's promises will bring the breakthrough we seek.
God placed a drive in us. Philippians 2:13 says, "3 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." We must give attention to that desire we felt at the altars of God and fan into flame the gift he placed on the inside of us.
8. What You Sacrifice, God Will Reward
In Genesis 12:1-4, God called Abram to leave his country and family, promising to bless and make him a great nation. Sometimes, we must leave behind what is comfortable to receive the blessings God has in store.
Jesus also teaches in Mark 10:29-30 that those who leave things for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundredfold in return in this life and eternal life. Know that sacrifice is our proof of obedience to the Lord. But, be confident that our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
9. Your Fruit Reflects Your Pursuit
John 15:16 (NLT) — 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.
Jesus said that we are chosen to bear fruit that remains. Our pursuit of God will be reflected in the fruit we produce.
A disciple isn't just a follower but someone who learns, applies, and produces results in their life. What are you producing in your walk with God?
The difference between someone who is genuinely pursuing something and someone who is just a fan is simple. A faithful follower seeks to grow and bear fruit by applying what is learned, while a fan is someone who celebrates the person but never changes or progresses.
10. Correction Is Proof of Who You Follow
Proverbs 10:17 (NLT) — 17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
Receiving correction is part of the growth process. John Mark left Paul and Barnabas on one of their journeys together. Later on, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again, but Paul refused.
This disagreement in Acts 15:39 highlights how resistance to correction can lead us astray. Genuine followers of Christ welcome correction to improve and stay on the path of righteousness, resulting in true progress.
Conclusion: Law of Pursuit is the Key in Shaping Your Destiny
The Law of Pursuit is simple: what you pursue, you will possess.
Jesus promises that if we follow Him, He will make us into the people we are meant to be. Jesus also gave us gifts to receive in our lives that will point us in the direction we should go.
As you reflect on these principles, ask yourself—are you pursuing the right things? Are you following God and those who lead you toward Him?
Decide today to pursue God with all your heart, and you will inherit His promises.
Devotional Questions
1. In what areas of your life are you genuinely pursuing God, and where might you be merely going through the motions? Consider the words from Psalm 63:1 about earnestly seeking God - does your soul truly thirst for Him as David describes?
2. Who are the godly people you are following in your life, and how are they helping you grow closer to Christ? Reflect on 1 Corinthians 11:1, which encourages believers to imitate those who imitate Christ. Are there spiritual mentors who are challenging and guiding you in your walk with God?
3. What lasting fruit are you producing in your spiritual life? Meditate on John 15:16, which reminds us that we are chosen to produce lasting fruit. Take time to honestly assess how your pursuit of God is transforming you and impacting those around you. Are you a faithful follower who applies what you learn, or just a casual observer?
Scriptures About Destiny and Purpose
Romans 12:2 (NLT) — 2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Ephesians 4:1 (NLT) — 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) — 5 "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) — 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT) — 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) — 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) — 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) — 10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) — 9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT) — 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Psalm 37:23–24 (NLT) — 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Bible say about our destiny?
Have you ever wondered about your destiny? The Bible gives us beautiful insights about it. In Jeremiah 29:11, it says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord." This verse reminds us that our lives are part of a bigger picture crafted by a loving Creator. Each twist and turn in life is woven into a grand design full of hope and purpose—even when we can't see it!
Interestingly, like a book where every chapter holds significance, our journeys are essential parts of a magnificent story. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." No matter the challenges we face, believe that there is a reason and a lesson in every situation. God can turn even the toughest moments into stepping stones towards our glorious destiny!
Ultimately, our destinies are aligned with love, grace, and inspiration. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's handiwork, created for good works. This shows how we are uniquely designed and equipped to contribute something special to the world. So, lean into Him and trust that your destiny is not just a dream but a journey with a divine purpose waiting to unfold!
2. Does God choose our destiny?
Ever wonder if our lives are like a giant jigsaw puzzle, with pieces that bring us closer to a beautiful picture? In Jeremiah 29:11, it says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord." It's comforting to think that God has a destiny in mind for each of us, guiding us gently through life's twists and turns. We don't flounder aimlessly; we're on a divine path crafted with care and love.
Then again, it's important to remember that we have a role to play in this grand design. Choices matter! Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. By making decisions that align with His wisdom, we find ourselves walking toward our destiny, experiencing the joy and excitement of His perfect plan unfolding.
Embracing God's choices for us brings peace to our hearts. When we surrender our worries and let Him lead, there's incredible freedom in knowing we're part of something bigger than ourselves. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God's handiwork, created to do good works. Believing in a destiny chosen by God gives us a sense of purpose and propels us to fulfill our unique role in His unfolding story.
3. How do I find my destiny in God?
Seeking your destiny in God can feel like a daunting quest, but it's all about the journey of discovery. Remember Jeremiah 29:11? He tells us that God has plans for each of us, plans to give us hope and a future. When we open our hearts and minds to His guidance, we uncover the unique path He has laid out specifically for us.
Additionally, prayer is like a compass—guiding our hearts towards His will. Just as Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, our answers will come through faith and surrender. Each step we take, infused with trust, enables us to receive the clarity of purpose that God wants for us, creating a beautiful tapestry of our lives woven with His intentions.
Lastly, embrace community! Surround yourself with those who lift you closer to God's presence. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us to encourage one another, igniting our spirits to fulfill our destinies. When we lean on each other, we strengthen our resolve and shine brighter, spreading His love and light. Together, we can find the fullness of our purpose in Him!
Stacy Bonet has been devoted to ministry since 2002, answering a deep call to share the Gospel globally.
She began her journey as a Youth Minister and Mission Coordinator with her husband at Abundant Life Church in Radcliff, Kentucky, organizing mission trips that led thousands to Christ.
In 2020, Stacy embraced her calling as an evangelist, traveling internationally to preach, host outdoor crusades, and inspire churches to engage their communities through the Everyone Everywhere Evangelism initiative.
Her mission is clear: to advance the Gospel and ignite a passion within the church to fulfill the Great Commission.
Evangelist Stacy's Information:
Faith Worth Following
Website: faithworthfollowing.com
Email: info@faithworthfollowing.com