Purpose

Life can bring discouragement and disappointment. If we focus on the circumstances around us we often become confused and lose sight of our purpose.

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel . What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." Philippians 1: 12-18

Paul was a leader who never drifted from his mission. He determined to leave his mark wherever he went. George Washington Carver wrote, "No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it." Paul's sense of purpose kept him in the battle as he sat in prison.

A personal sense of purpose functions in two ways. First we have a responsibility to work on that purpose. Then, the purpose works on us. Once Paul was able to determine his life mission, that purpose daily improved his attitude. Throughout the trials he faced Paul was able to continue to smile because he demonstrated a strong sense of purpose in his life. He understood that leaders can either wimp out and surrender to their circumstances, or they can surrender to a cause that is much greater. When that decision is made their circumstances won't matter.

Life will always throw you curve balls but the true result of the foundation of your relationship with Christ will be determined by how you respond to that pitch. When you surrender to the circumstances in your life you are definitely at the mercy of what happens to you. But when you make a decision to surrender to a purpose that purpose will never die. Paul's attitude helped his purpose go forward, then his purpose helped his attitude go forward! His attitude helped him make a decision that it didn't matter what happened to him as long as the mission continued.

It is easy for us to lose our purpose when life seems to continue to bring adversaries into our path but God encourages us to stay focused. "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14. There is a much larger reward waiting for us that far exceeds anything this world has to offer. The key to attaining that goal is to stay focused on our purpose for being and chase after God each and every day with your whole heart

Purpose in your life is important. A purpose will motivate you. A purpose will keep your priorities straight even when you feel there are no immediate answers for what you are going through. God is doing a work in your life and proceeding to the next level may be determined by your reaction to the circumstance you are facing. A purpose will absolutely develop your potential. A purpose will encourage you and give you strength to live in the present even when life is discouraging and frustrating. And a purpose will help you evaluate your progress.

If you are facing a challenge in your life, seek God's face with passion. He is our rock and always provides everything we need to overcome any situation. Pursue His purpose for your life and don't lose sight of the mission God has called you to complete.

It's a new day filled with new opportunities!

Blessings friends!