When you were a young person, do you remember being asked what you wanted to be when you grow up? A teacher, a doctor, a fireman – like your dad or your mom. As you grew older. Perhaps your resolve became more defined as life opportunities came your way or they evaded you. The reasons why you would or could achieve your dream either presented themselves or never materialized. Perhaps your interests changed – or perhaps possibilities that you never thought possible presented themselves. Life is complicated and can be unpredictable and our dreams can be elusive – sometimes reality but very often just dreams.
However – when you factor in your faith – well there is a much bigger question than what do you want to be. That question is – what has God purposed you to be.
the Lord said “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
The Lord spoke those words when Israel was taken captive by Babylon. Our takeaway from that promise is that God has a plan for us too. As Life unfolds – good things and bad things befall all of us – but still, in the midst of it, God has a plan and a purpose.
Do you remember the Apostle Paul’s story? Paul said .....
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord - Philippians 3:4-8
Paul was born into a family of Pharisees. His future was set. Or at least he thought it was and then he met Jesus on the road ad Paul – the Saul – pursued what he considered his purpose. But then – seemingly our of nowhere- Jesus shows up!
Now you might be thinking “But that was Paul – perhaps the greatest of the Apostles - what does that have to do with me?” Well ……. , let me suggest that it has everything to do with you.
When you were born again – God set your feet on a different- eternal path. A path that leads to a life that you will live along with your natural life. To live that life – to be what God has purposed us to be - He has gifted each of us to accomplish our role in the Body of Christ on this earth.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Those gifts are exercised as we are salt and light in the place on this planet wherever God has planted us. And beyond those gifts, God has called some of us to places of leadership or perhaps better said – specific places of service.
Christ himself gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, {WHY?} to equip his people for works of service {that He has purposed for them}, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:11-13
Some of those people are called out to serve full time in those capacities and some are “part time” or bi-vocational. Having 2 vocations does not lesson the significance, giftings or the specific calling. It is just that the context of service is different. In all cases those positions are recognized, acknowledged and confirmed by the Body of Christ and are not merely established by “self-declaration”.
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. - Matthew 7:15
You might be tempted to discount how God might use you – knowing that you have “feet of clay”
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? - Romans 9:21
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. - Zechariah 4:6
In Christ we find our eternal purpose and identity!
I wrote a song some time back about the nature of the people that God calls –
Give a listen and then look to God for what He has purposed for your life – like me – you might be surprised.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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