Purpose

The struggle to find a 'purpose' for your life is such a journey. There are so many hours devoted to just thinking about it. So many more hours devoted to praying about it. And sometimes, the conclusion is inconclusive. . . you are still right in that same place where you started, and you still don't really know where you are going.

Twists take you directions that you never thought you'd be going. You thought you'd be 'there', and not 'here'. Point 'A' made more sense, but you ended up strangely at Point C. You scratch your head and wonder 'how did this happen'?

Before you presume I am leading this discussion onto a gameboard of chess . . . let me assure you, I am not at all saying that we are just little pieces being moved to and fro about a wooden board.

Hardly.

We are moved, yes. God's will has a purpose though. A divine one. He's not like the wind either. The wind is too predictable. He is completely unpredictable and yet He still is faithful. I still can't understand how those two fit together, but it makes complete sense whether I understand it or not.

But I am wandering.

The Purpose Driven Life expounds these fumbling thoughts a bit more. It is a little bit more 'go get 'em' for this particular hour, but, it had some good points:

Sovereignty simply means God is in control, and that he has the right to be in control. Regardless of what you believe, the truth remains – God has been and always will be in control. He rules from his heavenly throne, the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).

It's essential that you understand God's sovereignty as you move forward faithfully; otherwise, you won't be able to see the hand of God working actively through the details of your life (Romans 8:28). You're likely to become overwhelmed by the immensity ofthe task before you and soon you’ll be plagued by worry, doubt, and fatigue. By understanding his sovereignty, you’ll readily remember that God goes before you and God comes behind you as you faithfully serve him.

You may feel inadequate in your walk with Christ, but God created you for just this very moment, and he believes in you. He is able to take what you give and use it for his glory, and he is able to handle any of your problems or concerns: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him …” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Why is this important?

· God is sovereign -- and that means he’s capable of providing for your every need. If you don’t trust that, ask God to show you why? I believe, Lord; help my unbelief.

· God’s greatness – Focus on God's sovereignty by remembering his greatness. We have a tendency to maximize our problems and minimize God's greatness. But when we do that, we also minimize - in our minds - God's ability to handle any problem. Instead, praise God for his greatness.

· When you pray, praise God. Begin your prayers by acknowledging God's sovereignty. You could start by quoting I Chronicles 29:11, "Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything." As you get to know God, you can add other praises related to his power, his goodness, and his faithfulness.

· Hezekiah’s Prayer -- When the city of Jerusalem faced certain destruction from an advancing army, Hezekiah, the king of Israel, sought God in prayer -- but instead of starting off with the problem of Jerusalem's imminent destruction, he first praised God and acknowledged God’s sovereignty: “God, God of Israel, seated in majesty on the cherubim-throne. You are the one and only God, sovereign over all kingdoms on earth, maker of heaven, maker of earth ….” (2 Kings 19:15-16).