Day 9: Understanding His Plan for You

Let’s take a moment today to be with God. If you want to do this as a family, we encourage you to set aside time after your own quiet time to go through the family content at the bottom together.

PAUSE

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

What’s the difference between conforming and being transformed? Let’s break it down:

1. Conforming is outside in. Transformation is inside out.
2. Conforming is what you do. Transformation is who you become.

In today’s passage, Paul urges us to not mold our lives based on the world’s patterns but to let the Holy Spirit renew our minds with the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). But how does this happen?

Transformation occurs when we let God’s Word shape our thoughts and hearts, which then changes how we act. It’s a process from head to heart and heart to hands. The more we allow God’s thoughts to fill our minds, the more we’ll align with His will and recognize His voice. When we know His will, we can live in a way that pleases Him.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, says His sheep recognize His voice (John 10:14–15). But if we aren’t intentional in our relationship with Him and regular in our study of the Word, we may miss hearing His voice and miss the fullness of His guidance.

PONDER

Why is having a close relationship with God important for understanding His plan? Use this time to get to know Him better and find ways to learn more about what He wants for you.

PRAY

Father, transform my mind daily by Your Spirit. Give me the mind of Christ. Help me resist the temptation of conformity and take captive every thought so I may be obedient to Christ. Teach me to recognize Your voice so I can know and do Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. Amen.

For Your Family

PAUSE

Read Romans 12:2 out loud with your kids. Whether you go on a walk, talk in the car, discuss at dinner, or gather before bed, choose a time in your day to discuss and pray together.

PONDER

Share the main idea with them.

• When we follow God instead of the world, He helps us think in a new and better way.

Ask them:

• What does it mean to follow God instead of the world?

PRAY

Guide your children to pray using these prayer points.

• Thank God that you belong to Him and not the world.
• Ask God to help you think more like Him.
• Pray for God to make His voice clear to you and others.

Pray this over your children:

Father, thank You for making us Yours. I pray for my kids (name them) to always remember they’re part of Your family. Change their minds so they’ll think more like You think. If they ever believe a lie, remind them of the truth. Amen.