PURSUE GOD’S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

WEDNESDAY JULY 8

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you...plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jer 29:11 NIV

Nothing is more gratifying than knowing one’s purpose—even when opposition seems unbearable and other distractions threaten to overshadow it. Often when people say they don’t have a passion for anything, they mean they don’t have faith to believe they could actually do what they really desire in their hearts. Jesus refused to let anyone pull Him away from His purpose. “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’” (Lk 12:13-14 NIV). In essence, Jesus was saying, “I’m not about to get distracted by conducting an arbitration hearing between you two. That’s not part of My purpose for being here on earth.” Even up to the day that Jesus gave His life on the cross, there were many sick people needing healing and a myriad of other impossible situations that needed His attention. He knew that through the power of His death and resurrection, all could be addressed. So, despite unresolved problems, He confidently gave His heavenly Father this report on His ministry: “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (Jn17:4 NLT). Jesus refused to let His disciples, Satan, well-meaning family members, needy people, or anyone else distract Him from His purpose. And you must learn to do that too. This raises the question: Can you state your God-given purpose in a single sentence? Are you pursuing it?