HIS Purpose

SEEKING HIM OPENS UP MUCH MORE THAN WE DREAM OR IMAGINE

HEBREWS 11:6 – Those who come to GOD must believe that HE is and that HE rewards those who diligently SEEK HIM.

One of the things humans seek most is purpose. We want to know the purpose of our lives – the purpose of a gift we’ve been given – the purpose of a tragic event – we want to know the “why” and the “what for”.

We may have obvious gifts and skills that lead us down a path toward a career, or there may be confusion about our past journey, our present state, and our future. Whether there’s clear direction or a vague and foggy uncertainty, it’s all wrapped up in the idea of purpose.

What is my purpose? ……………………….. Maybe we should ask, “What is the LORD’S purpose?”

Any loss – death, divorce, bankruptcy, health issues, dismissal from a job, a failing grade in a class, a foreclosure on your home – any loss at all causes us to question our purpose. Most often, it actually causes us to think and feel negative narratives. “What did I do to deserve this?”

Do you believe that we were made for so much more than all of this?

JESUS is our purpose! Seeking CHRIST and CHRIST alone is what truly satisfies us, because we were made for HIM – it’s our design – our blueprint.

JESUS said, “I AM the way, the truth, and the life….” (John 14:6) No one comes to the Father except through JESUS. When we hear these words, our human default kicks in and we start focusing on formulas and methods: “What is the way? I need to find this way HE’s talking about?” “What is the truth? Can I find it in a certain translation of the Bible?” We become focused on “the way” – devotion, prayer, tithing… or on “the truth” – study of original languages and accurate definitions and translations. Or we focus on “the life” and how to be blessed to live in this world.

When we focus on anything besides JESUS, we are focused on just that – any “thing”! But we were made to prioritize a Person. This Person put flesh on and came to this earth to show us how much HE prioritizes us!!

In Matthew 16:24-26 JESUS encourages us to deny ourself, take up our cross and follow HIM…. “whoever loses his life for MY sake will find it.” This is an invitation to prioritize HIM the same way HE did for us. Not so that we will find the way or the truth or the life (although, all these things will come to us as we seek HIM – Matthew 6:33), but in order to learn humility and forego our plans and ideas in preference to JESUS. HIS example is not unattainable for us! Did you know that?

You are a dearly loved child of the Living GOD – the Creator of the Universe. And you have in you the same Spirit who raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead! You have unhindered access to HIM at all times. But these worldly distractions of purpose get in our way. Choosing to “die to them” IS THE WAY to the most fulfilling life imaginable!! HIS purpose for us is MUCH MORE than any purpose we could find in this life!!

There’s a song “More Than You Think I AM” – Danny Gokey and his team wrote this song about our perceptions of who we think GOD is. We have hard questions: “Why are people going hungry?” “Why are there shootings going on in schools, natural disasters, and tragedies happening all around us?” “GOD, why don’t YOU do something about it?” These questions can lead to discouragement and hopelessness – even worse … anger that leads to bitterness and resentment. But when you open your heart to GOD and truly seek HIM for the Ultra Good Being HE really is, HE shows HIMSELF and pulls down all the walls and the enemy’s deceptions in our lives that have been an obstacle to us knowing HIM.

GOD wants to show us Who HE really is, and HE is asking for our cooperation in that project – yes … it’s a project! If we fight the negative dialogs in our minds and emotions and choose to seek our GOOD GOD and Father, we will see what this song is saying – it’s written as if GOD is speaking directly to us:

“I’M more than you dream, more than you understand, your days and your times are destined for our dance… I catch all your tears, burn your name on MY heart – be still and trust MY Plan – I’M more than you think I AM – rumor has it that there’s a gavel in MY hand, … but i think of you as MY best friend – hide in ME and you will see…. I’M more than you dream, more than you understand, your days and your times are destined for our dance… “

Desiring JESUS’ life for you (and HIS dance with you) will take an intentional turning away from the negative dialogs and narratives in our minds and emotions that cause us to think of HIM as our Judge instead of our Friend. HIS purpose for creating us was NOT to dole out punishments and consequences.

HIS purpose was for us to find HIM – to find that HE is Wonderful. (Remember, HE thinks you are so wonderful that HE gave HIS all for you.)

So let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful or stressed – JESUS gave you HIS Peace. And HIS peace is not the fragile kind of peace that this world offers – here today and gone tomorrow. HIS Peace is lasting! Everlasting! We can continue to stress over what we’ve done in the past – or over what our future may bring, but that’s not our purpose. When you seek HIM with all your heart, HE will let you find HIM. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Seeking CHRIST means this: Instead of prioritizing “the way” by honing a skill and finding identity or purpose in what you do (to contribute intellectually or financially or skillfully in this world) – instead of searching for truth in the study of original languages, definitions, and “the most accurate” translations – desire to be the bride that fulfills her Bridegroom’s dream by knowing HIM – listening and following HIS lead in this dance we call “life” – reflecting the Beloved Savior’s heart to the world around you today. HE can be trusted to take care of any and all details of purpose that concern you!