Can we talk? It seems that I have a reoccurring conversation with my family, friends, and neighbors. So, I was wondering if our conversation would be similar. It usually goes something like this:
I don’t know what God’s will for my life is.
The bible tells us that we all have a purpose in this life. Furthermore, it goes on to say that each of us are gifted with certain abilities so that we can fulfill our God-given purpose. It doesn’t stop there. Our gift, according to the bible, should allow us to flourish and be successful as well.
Wait a minute. Doesn’t the bible also imply that “it’s NOT about us?”
You’re right. It does. It’s not about us. It’s all about God. But here’s the wonder of it all. God, well, He’s all about us!
Got it?
Not really.
Since God is all about us, He allows us to collaborate with Him in His plan to save the world. He doesn’t need our help. He invites to us to help. And He equips us to help.
When you and I are participating with God, and exercising our gifts, our purpose becomes His purpose. It’s the most satisfying and rewarding feeling there is!
Wait a minute. You said it’s not about us?
Right! That’s why I love John Ortberg’s “so that” theory. His thoughts put things into right perspective for me.
It’s like this. God designed you to flourish “so that” you could be part of his redemptive project in ways that you otherwise could not. He gave you gifts, experiences, intelligence, and personality that enables you to succeed. God wants you to flourish “so that” people can be encouraged, the hurting can be comforted, books can be written, music and be performed, people can be helped, and companies can thrive in ways they otherwise would not. When you fail to become the person God designed, all the rest of us miss out on the gift you were made to give.
So in truth, your abilities are not about you. They are for the service of others. Yet, in God’s great design, everyone profits. Like Jesus said, “My joy is made full when I’m doing the will of my Father.”
When God’s purpose becomes our purpose, everyone is blessed.
Are we clear?
Mary Anne Benedetto says
I love this post, and it is my prayer every day to be walking in His light and following His path for my life. So many times I seem to inadvertently wander off the road, as we can so easily do when we are juggling multiple tasks. I am going to print in a large font "GOD'S PURPOSE IS OUR PURPOSE" and tape it to the bottom of my computer screen! Thank you so much for this post and everything you do for His glory.
Tammy Nischan says
WOW! I love this! You wrote this post "so that" I would be encouraged! Thank you!