Today's Seed : "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one
thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."Philippians 3:13-14
It's easy to get distracted these days. Life is so busy that most of us barely have time to think about our next move, let alone find the opportunity to look at the big picture. We get so wrapped up in daily details that we forget about our life's purpose. But that's no excuse. In writing to the church in Philippi, Paul instructed the believers to forget about past failures and excuses and to move forward, with their eye on the goal, (or prize), focusing on the purpose God had called them to .
Some of us may not have defined our life goal or purpose--that can really make the job of staying focused a tough one! God has designed each of us with a specific purpose in mind. Our talents, character, and personalities were crafted exactly for that one purpose.
Having a God-directed life purpose can give meaning to the seemingly unrelated or nonsensical events of our life. God is the architect of our lives. Each event, experience, and situation is designed to equip us for the work He has planned. To fall victim to life's hard times instead of pressing on toward the goal is to miss the prize of the higher calling of God. We are to leave behind the old baggage, shed the clutter, and run the race with single-minded discipline to claim all our inheritance.
Dig Deeper: The Greek word translated "straining toward" implies continued repeated
action done by the person acting upon him or herself. We have to take the initiative to find and continually live out the purpose God has for us.
Background Bulb: It is thought that of all the letters Paul wrote to the churches, this one stands out as being the most personal. The concept of all-sufficiency of Christ is found through-out, and Christ gives meaning to life and causes people to serve him even to their death. How's that for a life purpose?W
eed & Water: Having a life verse can be a good place to begin your life purpose statement. Ask the Holy spirit to guide you in discovering your personal life verse or passage. It can become your life statement and be of great assurance that you are working according to God's plan. consider writing a life purpose statement to help yo focus on the big picture. Here's an example of one woman's purpose statement based on Romans 15:4: "I will be an encourager and bring hope to others."
Think about it: If your child or other relative came to you, feeling as though life had no purpose, how would you respond?
Have you allowed the past to deny you the joy of pursuing your passions and life goals?
Prayer Pot: Father, show me your purpose for my life even in the midst of (Insert your thoughts).
Take-Away Idea: Propose to know your purpose for life.I have several favorite verses which I try to live by. The first one being Matthew 6:33 --Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Another one is Psalm 51:10--Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
What are your favorite Bible Verses, and/or what have you discovered as your purpose in life?
Good night and May God Bless!
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1 comment:
Thank you PJ, for this post today. I was hitting the wall on finding my purpose. But this post has made it easier by searching for a scripture that will help define it. I have too many favorites to consider just one. Thank you and God Bless you for writing this blog. It is so helpful.
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