LSU forward, Ben Simmons, was recently drafted #1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Ben’s talent has been raved about by scouts for years. He appears to be a lock as a future NBA superstar.

But nothing is ever guaranteed. There have been many prospects who were thought to be “can’t miss” picks, drafted in the early stages of the first round, who didn’t work out. Guys like Darko Milicic, Greg Oden, and Kwame Brown are actually more famous for the lack of success they’ve had after being drafted into the NBA as high picks. Even Anthony Bennett, drafted #1 overall in 2013, was playing in the D-League this past year just trying to make a roster spot.

Nothing is for certain in the NBA, and often the plans of teams and players don’t end up the way they would have hoped.

However, there is one plan that we can be sure of. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” God tells us that He has a plan for all of us. His plan won’t harm us but will help us prosper. His plan gives us hope and a future.

I often get asked by people, “How do I know God’s plan for my life?” God tells us in Jeremiah 29:12: “Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me and I will listen.” Although we don’t always see His plan until we look back and realize He orchestrated everything we experienced, I think if we patiently and passionately pursue God, He will make it known to us.

As we seek God and His plan for our lives, let’s continue to be in prayer…thanking Him for all that He has blessed us with. Let’s seek Him through worship…whether through music or in a quiet time. Let’s dive deep into the Bible…getting spiritually fed daily by the Word of God. Let’s be with like-minded people…pursuing fellowship and giving permission to others to hold us accountable and walk with us through our faith journey.

NBA players often go into a season with plans to be “successful.” Some teams accomplish their goals, and others don’t. Thankfully we have a Father in heaven who always has a “successful” plan for us. Let’s pursue Him passionately and patiently, and watch God’s perfect will for our lives come to fruition.