How Does Unexpected Change Affect Self-esteem?

An unexpected change can be disconcerting when what it demands appears incomprehensible. A young man became unemployed due to company cutbacks. Unable to find suitable employment, he moved in with his parents. In our society these circumstances are not unusual.

This temporary move back home was feared to be permanent by his parents, who initially questioned and discounted the sincerity of his efforts to find a new job. Losing employment and returning home proved to be a pivotal event for him and his parents.

However, pivotal events can boost self-esteem and self-worth by pushing individuals toward stability and independence, even when it means working outside of your career choice. God’s long-range purpose may hinge on your separating from old dependencies that appear comfortable but can be a barrier to becoming the person God intended. 

So why not commit your life completely to discovering God’s purpose for you now?  

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Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word…Don’t let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. I praise you, Lord!

~Psalm 119: 9-12 Contemporary English Version

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New Year Expectations for God's Purpose

Expectations are a powerful, driving force, so it’s important to be astute and perceptive in structuring your plans and objectives for the future. It’s possible for us to become arrogant with too much confidence in our self-importance. Then we forget that God Almighty has a place for us, including a specific purpose, and he will see it through to completion.

Understanding that should prompt us, to the best of our ability, to keep moving forward in a spirit of discovery to capture and live within the bounds of God’s purpose. So, what are you expecting God to reveal to you concerning his objective and purpose for this coming New Year?

Perhaps that’s something you could begin praying about today. Why seek God’s insight and approval? Expectations that agree with God’s purpose and plan compel us to give thanks and praise to him for his kindness. What can you possess that’s more satisfying and fulfilling than being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ?  

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We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

~Proverbs 19:21 The Message               

 

It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.

~Ephesians 2:10 The Living Bible 

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Check Out the Unusual

Our nation was built on the promise of a new beginning spiritually and economically for all who claimed the promise. When God spoke to Moses in the desert of Sinai, he offered him a new beginning. After years of living safe and secure as a shepherd, God intervened in a lifestyle Moses believed would never change.

One day as he was caring for his sheep, something very unusual caught his attention. He observed a burning bush that didn't disintegrate in the fire, so he decided to check it out. This simple act would be the first step that marked the beginning of a change in his life that would identify him as a great figure in world history.

New beginnings often come about after a moment of inspiration that builds a bridge to a future only God could plan. When Moses went to look at the burning bush, God spoke to him. As we give God our full attention, he may reveal his purpose to us, and there is no greater motivation than this for a new beginning. So trust in the Lord as he guides you forward.  

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“This is strange,” Moses thought. “Why isn’t the bush burning up? I will go closer and see.” When the Lord saw that Moses was coming closer, he called to hm from the middle of the bush and said, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Yes, here I am.”

~Exodus 3:3-4 Good News Bible

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Thankful Communications to God

An undisputed purpose for working is to purchase the things we desire. While there isn't anything necessarily wrong with wanting the necessities of life, we may forget to express thanksgiving for what we have received. As we communicate our feelings of thanksgiving and appreciation to Christ Jesus, the more clearly his purpose for us is understood.

Discovering God’s purpose for us is paramount, for to do so brings contentment and joy. To express thanksgiving to God creates a deep sense of satisfaction for what we do possess. Expressing thanksgiving helps us to cease our lusting after that which is elusive and out of bounds.

As we focus on communicating thanksgiving for what God has provided, it clears the way for a deeper relationship with the Lord God. Psalm 42:1 proclaims, "As the deer longs for a stream of cool water, so my heart longs for you O God." Communicating gratitude is the antidote for feelings of dissatisfaction and deprivation, so give thanks to God for his goodness, patience, and kindness.

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 Say “Thank you” to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind...praise the Lord for his loving-kindness, and for all of his wonderful deeds! For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good.

~Psalm 107:1, 8-9 The Living Bible 

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Discovering God's Purpose

Devising plans for achieving an objective depends on an underlying purpose that motivates the drive to succeed. Purpose creates and sustains momentum for success. A job may become boring, but a purpose such as supporting a family or planning for retirement provides enthusiasm for showing up each day.

Parents are well aware that children approach their schoolwork and chores at home with a relatively good attitude when they believe there is a purpose worthy of their efforts and energies. The rewards for doing well are essentially connected to long-term objectives, but acknowledging God's purpose for your life provides contentment and peace.

Samson found a purpose worth dying for at the very end of his life. He believed that this purpose was from God himself. It was perhaps consoling to realize God was working out his plan and purpose for him, as he is working out his purpose for you. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  

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The Lord will complete what his purpose is for me. Lord, your gracious love is eternal; do not abandon your personal work in me.

~Psalm 138:8 International Standard Version

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