It is written that God knows the plans He has for you—plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). These purpose-driven plans become your desire with a longing to see them fulfilled. Given by the Lord, it might have come during a time of worship, from a Scripture passage you read, a message you heard, or from the time you spent in prayer. Often called the “vision” for our lives, we search for the pathway to success.  

      Some desires are innate from birth. As a youth, I wanted to fly airplanes. At 22, I achieved that goal. I also became a flight instructor, teaching others to fly, which sparked my passion for teaching. When anointed by the Holy Spirit, our natural talents and spiritual gifts work together to fulfill the desires of our hearts, God’s given purpose. 

     The desire in your heart begins as a seed (Matthew 13). Deep within, your heart holds the promised hope long before it becomes a reality. Using an apple tree as an example, we see the promise of abundant fruit in its seed. But what we really want is the tree that bears fruit. Since we don’t have the tree, we often overlook the seed. Bearing the fruit of our hearts’ desires requires patience (Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:11-15). As Hebrews 6:12 tells us, it is by faith and patience that we inherit the promise.

       God builds upon His divine nature; otherwise, the tree and its fruit will be corrupt. God’s plan for us is to grow with the seed. As the seed grows and develops roots, we grow and develop roots in Christ and His love (Eph. 3:17). As the seed begins to mature, so does the individual. As the individual matures, so does the seed. It is the stewardship of the promise that builds blocks of wisdom, character, experience, and maturity. This keeps the promise thriving and growing to the next level. Circumventing this process can lead to failure.

     As we grow in Christ, we become a tree that bears fruit. Others will come to gather the mature fruit. People prefer ripe fruit over green or sour apples so they can taste the sweet aroma of the fruit produced in our lives (2 Cor. 2:14). 

     Today, there are promises from God that are the desires of my heart, but have yet to come to pass. However, faith requires resting in the one who is faithful. Psalms 37:4 reveals the key to success while waiting patiently in the hallway of time: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give to you the desires of your heart.” 

     In response, I sing with heartfelt love and adoration, rejoicing with thanksgiving to the Lord. With praise, I lean into His promises. Hope is renewed as we walk and commune together. It is in this place of daily fellowship that I realize once again, He is my promised desire.

    In His heart with love, Roy Roden