To me, the most amazing part of our strange daily experiences is the fact that our stories are part of God's story. He is at work, using all that we think, say, and do for his glory.

You and I still need food, clothing, and shelter every day, whether we live in a jungle hut or download Internet music. We need to know that we are loved and wanted. We need to know that our lives and days matter beyond today.

Our Maker is asking us to trust his word and will, to do whatever it takes, give whatever he asks, and go wherever he leads. To believe that he has a plan to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

There's only one north you can always find, one map you can never leave. It is the privilege and mystery of a personal, intimate connection with the One who is the only Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6).

Our Father knows every sin we've ever committed and every sin we have yet to commit. And yet he doesn't conclude that we are what we are. He is employing every resource in the universe to help us grow to be like Jesus (Romans 8:29).

Are you dealing with directional challenges in your soul today? Not sure how to find North on your spiritual compass? You're busy with work and family responsibilities, or juggling school and friends. You're multi-tasking as never before, listening to your iPod while checking email on your cell phone and surfing the Web on your computer.

"Linearity" is cause and effect--do A so B will result. Applied to writing this essay, its logic is obvious. Applied to God, its effect can be disastrous.

We've been seeking the keys to real peace and happiness in this new year. With all the uncertainties facing us, where can we turn for direction and fulfillment?

We are learning to discern God's will and purpose for our lives and problems, following Romans 12:1-2 as our guide. We have discovered four steps into significance: make Christ your Savior; put God on the throne of your heart; refuse the world's influence; and seek the mind of the Father in prayer and Scripture. What happens to those who take these steps each day?

In this era of daily terror threats and shifting economic trends, how do we know God's will for the practical decisions and challenges of our lives? As we have seen, Romans 12:1-2 offers us the crucial steps which lead to God's purpose for his people.