God's Purpose and Plan | Future Camp 2026 Message | Pastor Ben Graves

Main message: God has a purpose and plan for every life from before birth; the greatest threats to fulfilling that purpose are following your own sight/desires and valuing gifts over the Giver — but God's grace restores those who return to Him.

Key points:

• God thinks about you and has a future and assignments for you (illustrated by Ephesians and personal anecdotes); expect a word from Him and pursue His purpose.
• Samson is the main biblical example: born for a deliverer’s role with supernatural strength, but repeatedly sabotaged his calling by following sight and desire rather than God.
• First critical mistake: Samson trusted what "looked right" in his eyes (marrying Philistine women) instead of consulting God — the opposite of faith is walking by sight.
• Cultural sins and popular choices can become the sin you internalize; don’t let the values of the world define your path — disciples ask "What does God want?" not "What do I want?"
• Never prize the gift over the Giver; even if you mess up, God’s grace can restore you (Samson’s hair grew back, he repented and God returned strength), so repentance and dependence on God reclaim purpose.
• Practical application: seek God, spend time alone with Him for clarity, receive Jesus if needed, and commit to living for God’s plan rather than blending in with culture.

Scriptures mentioned: Ephesians 2:10, Judges 14, Judges 16, Psalms (referenced)