Yesterday was my wife’s birthday. I’m not the smartest guy in the world, but I do know a few things. I most certainly will not reveal to you her age. And at some point over this weekend I will either take her to dinner, or will cook myself, and I will also give a small gift of some kind. In other words, we will celebrate, but there won’t be large amounts of fanfare.

Birthdays are special days indeed. Of course, there are certain birthdays that serve as markers in life. A child’s first birthday is a big deal. Thirteen means there’s another teenager in the world. Sixteen means driving. And eighteen means I am an adult. We celebrate each of those birthdays loudly and proudly.

But numbers like 30, 40, 50, and others? Well, that’s another subject. We might not be quite as boisterous on those days. And yet, I wonder why not?

Each birthday marks a new year that the Lord has given to us. And it also gives us a new year that we can give back to Him.

I have no idea how old you are. I don’t know why you felt compelled to read these words I have written. But I do know this. No matter your age, no matter your abilities, no matter your circumstances in life, God has a plan for you. The Lord spoke to the young prophet, Jeremiah, and said, "I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

How about that? I believe God’s promise to Jeremiah holds true for us today. He has plans for us. He wants what is best for us. And He is prepared to act on our behalf. But He also said these words to Jeremiah. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

In other words, God’s blessings to Jeremiah were contingent upon Jeremiah’s faith in God. The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." God wants us to trust Him. He wants us to call upon Him. And then He wants us to dedicate our lives completely to His service.

Once again, I do not know the specifics about God’s plan for you. But I am certain of this: God has a plan for your life. It is specific, and it is in your best interest to know and follow God’s will for your life. Is God speaking to you? Are you listening?

I once read a quote from Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. When asked by a reporter, "Have you ever heard God’s voice audibly?" he paused and then replied, "No, it’s always been much louder than that."

How true that is. As one song says about the Lord, "He is not silent; we are not listening." May I encourage you to listen to God’s voice, and to commit your life fully to Him?

You will be blessed beyond your wildest imaginations as you do what you know God has called you to do. It is the greatest commitment you will every make.