Power of Purpose

    This summer I spent some time soul searching, trying to figure out my priorities and what exactly I was working toward.  Were my goals my own or someone else’s? Did my agenda line up with God’s? As I spent time reflecting and peeling back layers of my own insecurities I realized that I had been playing a role in my own life that I didn’t want.  I had been working for other people, eagerly awaiting their approval and waiting to hear recognition.  I had taken very little time to look inside my own heart and pray for God to show me my true desires and passions for my life.

   It’s not hard to get wrapped up in the approval of others and the image that society portrays as the “good life”.  We’re shown every day by those around us, celebrities and popularity what we should look like, feel like and act like but as Christians aren’t we supposed to turn from the “popular” image? 

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:17-32

   So as I slowly turned from the ambition of others and began looking inside my own heart and soul, I discovered a lot about myself and what was important to me and my marriage.  Casey and I spent time sharing plans for the next year and what was going to be important to our marriage and family unit over the next season.  As a new purpose was birthed and grew in my heart so did new habits and actions on my part.  Suddenly my purpose was building a fire in my soul and a fight in my spirit.  When my passion and my purpose collided with my faith and my family it was so dear to my heart that it changed my perspective and my willingness to work towards bearing fruit.

   The simplest way I’ve seen this shift in my life is when I am running… yes running… like an injured baby rabbit… slow and crippled.  I haven’t always been a runner, I used to hate running because of the pain it caused and the disappointment I felt when I gave in to that pain.  That was until one day when I pushed through and beat my personal best.   I had pushed past the pain in that moment and found joy in the moments following and now I have a secret weapon that aids in the miles filled with pain.  My purpose during this season lines up with my running hobby and during those times of struggle and suffering; when my muscles ache and it would feel so good to stop and walk a bit; I think about that purpose, the reason that I am fighting through and as I run the pain fades away and I can keep going long past what I set out to do.  Now instead of dreading the pain I see it as a training exercise; an opportunity to push on and push past my false limitations.

   I think this is where we struggle at times… we’re always searching for our purpose in life and we make it bigger than it has to be.  A purpose for me in this season became clearer when I made a list.  For me, my first priority is to be a daughter of the King, to love His people and to share the Good News.  Secondly, to be an encouraging, loving wife to my husband and follow his leadership in our marriage.  Also on my list is to be a daughter and daughter in law that holds my family close and takes time to listen and lift up those around me.  One day I want to be a mother that leads my children to Jesus; I want to teach them how to love and how to enjoy each season in life.  It’s here, as you list the desires of your heart that you’ll find your purpose.  You’ll know when tears form and a swelling in your heart rises.  This week try to find a quiet space and make a list and share it with the Lord. 

11For 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. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 

13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

   He has a plan for your life and He wants you to come to Him and tell Him the desires of your heart.  He’s already listening and He wants to join you in your journey.