AVAAT
A VERSE AT A TIME
TOPIC: DISCERNING YOUR PURPOSE
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 3:12-13(PHILLIPS)
KEY VERSE: Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have “arrived” spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now. But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind, and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead, I go straight for the goal—my reward, the honour of being called by God in Christ.
Purpose, a divine plan, is God’s reason for creating you. It is that unique assignment your life is to accomplish. Guided by this divine purpose, Paul made it his life’s pursuit to discover and pursue it. Even though he had outstanding miraculous experiences, he made future goals his focus.
Before the birth of Jesus, the angels announced his name and mission. The angels who heralded his birth to the shepherds spoke about the identity of Mary’s baby and its mission. During the presentation of Jesus at the temple, both Simeon and Anna confessed that the baby was the long-awaited messiah prophesied of old. All these things Mary pondered in her heart.
But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart.Luke 2:19(AMPC)
When his parents saw him, they were shocked; and his mother said to him, “Son! Why have you done this to us? Your Father and I have been terribly worried looking for you!” He said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be concerning myself with my Father’s affairs?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. Luke 2:48-50(CJB)
Those close to you, such as parents, spiritual leaders, and even friends, might know your purpose. Samuel knew who Saul would become; Samson’s parents knew God had called him, and he was no ordinary child. Jonathan knew David was the chosen one even when his Father worked hard at destroying him. Jesus, as a twelve-year-old, had an idea of his Father’s affairs. We must consider what our children say about themselves and their dreams.
And he told it to his Father, and to his brethren: and his Father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the Earth?Genesis 37:10(KJV)
Have you been concerned about your purpose? Can you see the dots connecting as you listen to testimonies about your birth, childhood and dreams? Jesus asked his disciples what people said about him, and he seemed to seek confirmation. The Holy Spirit gave Peter an accurate answer and will give you, too, if you ask in prayer.
Jesus, in his wisdom, asked his disciples a profound question: ‘Whom do men say that I am?‘ This question challenged his disciples to reflect on their understanding of his purpose. (Mark 8:27,28 (KJV))
Living purposefully is to discern the big picture of your life, not just your daily tasks or position. Your purpose points to the role God wants you to play in bringing men to the kingdom and extending his reign and dominion on the Earth.
Through prayers, Jesus maintained a close relationship with the Father to stay aligned with God’s purpose. He sought opportunities to fulfil God’s purpose, even in unlikely places. Performing miracles was good, but Jesus prioritized influencing culture, inclusion, and rescuing men from societal stigmas. The woman at the well, Zacchaeus, and the woman caught in adultery are some of those he came to seek and save.
Jesus said, “My food is to do what the one who sent me wants me to do. My food is to finish the work that he gave me to do. John 4:34(ERV)
The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:10(ERV)
As Jesus journeyed to the Cross, he knew he had done everything according to the Father’s plan, and his death was just another event in the grand scheme. He had discerned and obeyed God all the way. Paul had the same goal and continued the pursuit until he was confident he had completed God’s purpose.
I have glorified thee on the Earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.John 17:4(KJV)
The glorious fight that God gave me, I have fought. The course that I was set I have finished, and I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7(Phillips)
Reflection Questions
- What picture do you see for your life?
- Do you find it intimidating?
- What daily practice helps you stay on course with the plan?
- What scripture gives you hope to continue pursuing God’s purpose?
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