Purpose

We all long to have a sense of purpose. We want our lives to be meaningful and to make a difference. I believe that there is a connection between our sense of purpose and our awareness of God. Do I really believe that I have been created in the image of God? Am I conscious of the fact that God has created me for a purpose?

Jeremiah 29: 11 (NLT)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God has a plan for your life. It is a good plan. You can live in hope. We may not know what the future holds but we do know who holds the future. There is great comfort in understanding that my life is in God’s hands.

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and in chapter 19 verse 21 we are reminded that we can make many plans but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. What is God’s purpose for your life? There is a general purpose and a specific purpose for each one of us. The general purpose is the same for all of us . . . to walk in love, to forgive, to respect our own bodies and those of others, to worship God etc. The specific purpose differs from person to person and we each have a responsibility to find out what it is and then commit ourselves to fulfil that specific purpose. I have a calling to be a pastor and to be an agent of God’s justice through Hands of Compassion. We do not need to compete with others. Find out what your specific purpose is and be content with it.

Philippians 2: 16

Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

We need to hold firmly to the word of life in order to fulfil God’s purpose. It is not easy but it is worth it. Don’t run your race of life in vain. your life is not useless, it has a purpose.

Romans 8: 28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

When we allow God to fulfil His purpose in our lives, he causes everything to work together for our good. This is wonderful. God has a purpose for you. You are called and loved.