On Purpose

One of my highlights this year has been watching God work in and through the people around me. Last week, I was in Cuba with an amazing team from my church. I saw them love people, share their stories, embrace uncertainty, and conquer fear. And I watched the Cuban church do the same. I saw the leaders listen to God’s guidance, wipe the tears of their brothers and sisters, give sacrificial, and pray with power. God was on display through His people, American and Cuban, as they served Him and shared His love.

While observing God’s power and love flow through His people I often wonder what else God wants to do through me.  So many of God’s children are not fully living out their purpose. We are too busy, too fearful, or maybe even too self-confident to lean into God call. But God designed every one of us for something very specific.

Listen to Paul’s words to the Ephesian church, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NASB) When God designed you, He had good things in mind. He didn’t make a mistake.

It is true, God does not need you or me. His plan will go on without us, however, He has a distinct purpose for each of us. That distinct purpose and design are ready for us to step into. I love what Pastor Chris Hodges says in his book The Daniel Dilemma, “Not only did God create you to live in this particular season, but He gave you just the right personality, abilities, talents, and gifts to accomplish what you’re called to do. You are not an accident. You are here on purpose for a purpose.”

Think about those words, “you are here on purpose for a purpose.” Do you believe that? Not too many of us would say we disagree, but on the other hand, not many of us live like we really believe it. Every day is a day of purpose because God is an intentional God. Today is a day for you to display Him. Today is a day for His love to flow through you. Today is a day for you to speak His life-giving words. Today is a day for you to embrace your spiritual gifts and live them out.

I am so thankful that God has allowed me to see glimpses of His purpose lived out through the people around me. When I see God working through others I am more aware of His goodness, I have a greater appreciation of His power, and I have a deeper desire to live out my own purpose.

What about you? When people see you, are they seeing God’s purpose? Does your life bring delight to God’s people?

Maybe you are not sure. Maybe you have no idea what God’s purpose is or what you have been designed to do. I understand that because I have lived that. If that’s you, I would challenge you to begin asking God. He already knows, and He wants you to know, so spend some time talking to Him about it.

Remember, God’s purpose is found in the day to day. Often we want a mountaintop experience or a moment of destiny, but God’s purpose is not just for some moments or some days; it is every day. As Pastor Hodges reminded us, your personality, your abilities, and your talents are all part of God’s purpose.  Today is the day to live it like it.  It is time to live on purpose.

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“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands; as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.”
Acts 17:24-26 NASB