A "New" Purpose

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

A few months ago the Lord placed something heavy on my heart. My desire to serve was still in place but I was unsure if he still wanted me in my present place of service. I knew he had a purpose yet the look of that purpose needed to change and would change in some shape or form. Some time down the journey of prayer and search the Lord hadn't revealed to me what that purpose would look like just yet. I pursued some opportunities, prayed about them, sought after them and they didn't lead anywhere. Of course discouragement swept over me and I continued on with my daily/weekly routine. I had HOPE that he would reveal to me where this new change was; I really wanted sooner rather than later. So I continued to pray!

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22

“pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praying and waiting on the Lord kept going for a few months. Nothing seemed to happen until one day he placed the opportunity in my heart. It moved to my head so I prayed some more and sought some guidance from my mentor. She had agreed and said “Go for it!”.

Now I’ll be taking a leap of faith and following his lead with obedience. I've been given the opportunity to completely move from one kid’s ministry… are you ready for things?!... to another kids’ ministry. When the idea of changing my purpose for Christ had come to mind months ago I had thought it wouldn't involve kids’ ministry anymore. I had wanted to explore other ages and types of ministry, even outside of the church. However, the Lord had other things in mind.

Clearly he is still leading me to work with kids; that part is the same. However there are some other changes, which are completely new to me. I’ll be working with a completely new group of people that I don’t know very well. Also it’s a part of a church plant, which is something I've never experienced. I am very excited about this new adventure. It’s a wonderful feeling to finally see where God has been leading me, to accept his call and go! I’m excited about the new people I’ll get to meet and minister to. I’m ready for this “new” purpose!

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19

My point here is to say that the Lord is faithful to fulfill his promises when we are faithful to trust him, follow his lead and hold on to him through it all. Through all the time of the unknown and discouragement I knew, had hope and faith that he would reveal the purpose to me. And he sure did! 

Keeping Focused On Your Purpose

Jesus had incredible purpose! He never let that out of his sight. He always had the goal in his mind of serving the Father.

As I reflect on my weekend away at a retreat where we learned about the wilderness (Luke 4) and how the Lord was tempted, I am reminded of my wilderness times, those times that I may have lost my focus of who I was serving, and forgot what my incredible purpose was all about. As a human the decision to choose self over others is always a temptation. When I (we) face the times of wilderness and temptation is my (our) focus always on Christ? Who am I serving? What’s my purpose as his daughter, chosen by him?

I’m sure that we all question in our wilderness times what the purpose is. We probably ask ourselves and others “what is the point? I don’t understand why this is happening to me. Not right now, worst timing ever!” Well here is some good news; God always has a purpose in that time of wilderness. He will use it to grow and teach you new things, if you allow him.

In Luke 4 verse 1 it says that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. I believe this is was kept him focused, having he Holy Spirit fill him, be alive and active inside him was what kept him on track and able to withstand against temptation. Satan tried so hard to trick and confuse him but Jesus the Lord almighty is powerful, more powerful that all things. Satan can’t stand against him, can’t make him bow down.

So what does that mean for you and me? We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How do we do that? There are a few choices that will need to be made.

1.      Choose to say NO to sin. Flee from it. And take it seriously when it does come up.

2.      Have more of Christ in your life. By this I mean a relationship. It’s not something that just happens; you must work at it daily. Be in his word, fellowship with other believers, walk in obedience, choosing him over the worldly things.

3.      The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) Live by these.

4.      Reconciliation of relationships. Go to those whom you have conflict with, restore and forgive them. Show them grace and mercy just as Jesus showed us through his sacrifice. 

Moving "Up"

A new chapter has developed in my life over the past few weeks. In reference to Moving "Up" I know live in a new apartment that is a "loft". So I am moving up in life literally. I love my new home! It's all to myself and so wonderful to feel like a "grown-up" with more responsibilities and to do life for me. I know that may sound selfish but I don't mean it that way. My life still belongs completely to the Lord, he is the one who is in charge. I wouldn't have been able to reach this new chapter without him. All the glory goes to him, he is the one who has blessed me with this opportunity. I am not worthy of this gift yet he still chooses to give it. Just like his grace, be blesses me with forgiveness and love when I don't even offer him my firstfruits.

As life continues I'm enjoying this time off from school, not quite ready to get back to it. A lot has taken place so far this Fall, and it's only half over. Let's see what he'll do in the next few months.