Trusting God's Purpose

 

Early in childhood little boys and girls begin to say what they want to be when they grow up. Adolescent children verging on adulthood tend to examine more realistic career choices that will provide meaning and purpose to their lives. Some individuals choose a career that reflects God’s blessings as well as his special calling.

It’s possible to give in to the temptation of taking the path of least resistance, which requires minimal effort, instead of striving to be the very best God intended. Discovering what gives meaning and purpose to life is usually revealed through difficult challenges and a strong commitment to serve Christ Jesus.

It's important to believe God has a purpose for your life. Being committed to discovering God’s purpose ensures you will find it. Isaiah 26:3 gives this promise, "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm because they trust you." You were created for a special purpose, so take delight in that knowledge.                     

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After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for.

~Ecclesiastes 12:13 Good News Bible

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Critical Choices & Long-range Consequences - Part 2

Coming to a crossroads in life is not uncommon, although it may create uncertainty concerning which way to go. Changing directions has the potentiality for creating long-range, positive results or just the opposite. For each person whom God calls to be a follower of Jesus Christ, God continues to provide confidence of that calling throughout life.

A friend decided early in adolescence to be a career military officer. Three years into his first tour of duty he sensed God had other plans. To leave the military would mean giving up his dreams. This was a difficult choice, fraught with sadness and apprehension. However, he knew there would be a void in his life if he refused God’s call.

When the Apostle Paul was on his second missionary journey, the Holy Spirit prevented him from preaching the word in Asia. He later had a vision of a man of Macedonia begging him to come to his country and preach God’s word to them. As we seek God's will in prayer and with patience, He will make clear His plan and purpose for us.  

Critical Choices & Long-range Consequences - Part 1

Facing life-changing decisions is not readily forgotten because choices have lasting consequences. John Mark, who later wrote the Gospel of Mark, decided in the middle of their first mission trip to abandon Paul and Barnabas and go home. Later Barnabas wanted to include him on their second trip, but Paul refused to trust his immaturity as seen in Mark’s earlier choice.

Did John Mark regret his decision to desert Paul and Barnabas when he packed up and went home? Everyone will encounter crossroads in life, and most of these encounters create anxiety or even desperation. A young man caught up in gang activities during the 1970's was invited to attend a Billy Graham Crusade and, to his own dismay, agreed to attend.

His crossroads experience came as he realized God spoke directly to him through the message and invitation. Resistance was powerful, but yielding to God's call was overwhelming. Today that man pastors a church that is making a difference for Christ Jesus and the Kingdom of God. God gives peace to the person making the right choice.