Inspiration, Encouragement & Instructions
". . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
(Hebrews 12:1, NIV)
(Hebrews 12:1, NIV)
UA-115346459-1
We love God well by loving others extraordinarily. This is our purpose. This is our calling. This is what we were made for. American culture will tell us to pursue comfort, control and self-improvement. But let’s be the ones who choose to believe and live out the belief that we were designed on purpose, given gifts to fulfill that purpose, and provided power to accomplish that purpose through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).
We don’t feel this purpose. We live this purpose with action and intentionality. We don’t guess at what this purpose is. We know this purpose because of the words of the Bible, the instructions of the Holy Spirit, and the encouragement of the body of Christ.
Overall entities of His creation, God spoke into each one its name and its purpose. Before an expanse, creature or human being was formed, first God’s words spoke to what it would be and the purpose it would have. Out of the truth of His words each came to life to live as intended by the creator.
Chew on that thought for a bit. Let it sink into your mind and soul.
If God spoke into existence all that we see. And if his naming and purpose for each were set in place by His words at the beginning of time, then purpose and gifts were set into each of us at the beginning of time with His words.
Friends, our purpose isn’t out there waiting for us to create or mold. Our purpose isn’t a mystery we wait on the right words to come up with to define. Nope. Your purpose is not dependent on what you do or what you see. Rather, it is set in you. It may need some unwrapping. You will likely need to work at understanding it and walking in it. But it isn’t going anywhere. And it isn’t up to you to create it.
Why?
Because what God speaks never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). What he placed into motion at creation is still true, it just sometimes gets a little tainted by the sin that entered the world. But we have the power to fight back the lies and the false perceptions (Isaiah 54:17). Plus, we have the Spirit who gives us the ability to believe that the words of Scripture are true of us (John 7:38).
Let’s not be of those who shrink back (Hebrews 10:39), but those who by faith overcome through the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). And let’s not keep that testimony to ourselves because we just might have the story that another needs to hear to be set free.
You are of the chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). And who knows if you haven’t been set in this time and place in order that many lives may be saved because of your obedience in fulfilling all that he has called you to for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).
Relentlessly cry out for wisdom, beg for understanding, seek both and you will know God (Proverbs 2:3-5). And he will gently, slowly and faithfully help you excavate the talents he has given you to invest now and until the day he returns and asks for an account of all that you have done with what he has given you (Matthew 25:14-30). Believe and obey, and by grace and faith one day you will hear from the savior of your life, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Come and enter my kingdom forever.”
In the end, no other words will matter. Only this. Love God. Love others. Make disciples. You have all that is necessary to do so. This may be hard to feel or see from time to time. In those times, get away on the other side of the lake with Jesus and his disciples and Go & See what you have already been given to obey God and meet the needs of those around you. His miracle of multiplication, nourishment and rest are right on the other side of your obedience. Understanding, joy, and strength await you there.
Return often. He will always be there, ready to provide exactly what you need because he delights in watching you do greater things than you can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He has made you for purposes that he has already destined you to fulfill. Go & See. Then go inspire and equip others to do the same.
Interested in understanding your unique purpose more clearly?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Jaclyn LoweenHer family and friends know her as, Jaci. She is the wife of a pastor, a mom of four, writing and communications education instructor, a visionary and an avid runner. As a firm believer in the power and effectiveness of the body of Christ united together to live out the Great Commission, she holds fast to this verse, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Of equal importance to her are these words, "...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). Posts in the Run for Your Life, series:
|