We all need purpose. A reason to wake up every morning. For the non-Christian, purpose is harder to find. To eat, drink, and be merry works for a while, but eventually leads to emptiness. The same is true for wealth, power, or fame. For the Christian, purpose is intentional and God lays it out for us all through scripture.
Did you know...
there is a direct correlation between anxiety or depression and either not knowing or losing sight of one’s purpose?
I’ve seen it with several clients and I’ve even experienced it myself. Shortly after my breast cancer diagnosis last fall, I had a renewed purpose. I set out to share in the midst of this trial while offering hope and encouragement. Sometime during the four-month waiting period between my double mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries, I lost my purpose. Looking back, contributing factors included not working, being home alone with my thoughts, and an impatience laced with deception. During my waiting season, I felt I had no purpose or that it was put on hold until my surgeries were complete.
We were created on purpose for a purpose.
A believer’s purpose is central to who they are. It is a constant that looks different in different seasons. Generally, a believer’s mission is found in the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20 to go and make disciples. Beyond that, we are image bearers fearfully equipped for different services and with different talents to do good works prepared in advance (Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:5). Sometimes we complicate this. Sometimes we force it. Confusion, distraction, circumstance, deception, pride, and even fear can cloud it. When this happens, return back to the basics. A believer’s specific purpose is to obey what the Lord has called them to so let their light shine for Him.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
There is an enemy who wants believers to forget their purpose and he will do everything he can to distract and steal. When we are not walking in our purpose, we forget who we are, get caught up in our heads, and focus on the seen and temporary.
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Recognize and refocus.
You were created on purpose for a purpose.
Application:
1. General: Do you know your purpose? What does it look like for you to go and make disciples?
2. Specific: Have you lost your purpose? What does it look like for you to obey what the Lord has called you to in this season so that your light shines for Him?
3. What keeps you from living out your purpose?
4. What is something you can do to overcome that obstacle?
Comentarios