Live Out Your Purpose: A Journey of Faith and Trust
Pastor Victoria Sowell
Have you ever wondered why you’re here? What unique purpose you were created for? These are questions that often stir deep within us, compelling us to seek meaning and direction in life. While the world offers various answers, the truth is that our purpose is intricately woven into the fabric of who God has designed us to be. If you’re searching for that purpose, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not without guidance. [Click the link above for the full message].
A New Life in Christ: The Foundation of Purpose
Before we dive into what it means to live out your purpose, it's essential to understand the foundation that makes this possible. In Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT), Paul paints a vivid picture of our state before and after encountering Christ. He reminds us that we were once spiritually dead, following the ways of the world, living in sin, and without hope. Yet, because of God’s incredible love and mercy, we have been made alive in Christ.
Spiritual Death and New Life: Paul begins by addressing our past – a life devoid of spiritual direction, where sin and the world's influences dictated our actions. But because of Christ’s sacrifice, we have been given a new lease on life. We are no longer bound by our past but are now alive in Him.
The Gift of Grace: This new life isn’t something we earned or deserved. It’s a gift of grace from God, not a result of our works. This means that our purpose, too, is not something we create on our own but something God has prepared for us.
Created for Good Works: The passage culminates in a powerful declaration: "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). This is where our journey of purpose begins – understanding that we are God’s masterpiece, created with intentionality to do good works that He has already laid out for us.
The Unique You: Discovering Your Individual Purpose
Every person on this earth is unique. Our fingerprints, stories, and experiences set us apart from one another. Yet, we often find ourselves comparing our lives to others, wondering if we’re on the right path. But what if our differences are precisely what make us valuable in the Kingdom of God?
Uniqueness as a Strength: Think about it – there will only ever be one you. Just as no two fingerprints are the same, no two purposes are identical. God has crafted you with specific strengths, passions, and experiences that uniquely equip you to fulfill the purpose He has for you.
Purpose Rooted in Identity: Our purpose is closely tied to our identity in Christ. When we know who we are in Him, we can confidently step into the plans He has for us. Our past, with all its ups and downs, has shaped us, but it doesn’t define us. Christ defines us.
Embracing Your Design: Understanding that we are God’s handiwork, created for good works, shifts our focus from striving to become someone we’re not, to embracing who we already are in Him. This is not about living up to societal standards or fulfilling others' expectations; it’s about discovering and living out the purpose that God has specifically designed for you.
The Paradox of Losing to Gain: Connecting Purpose with Sacrifice
Last week, the message focused on the paradoxical teaching of Jesus – to gain life, we must first lose it. This might seem contradictory to living out our purpose, but in God’s economy, these two concepts work hand in hand.
Divine Design: The idea here is that when we surrender our lives to God, we allow His divine design to take over. This isn’t about losing who we are, but about losing the parts of us that are not in alignment with His purpose.
Trusting God’s Plan: It requires us to let go of our plans, ambitions, and the life we’ve imagined for ourselves. In doing so, we make room for God to reveal His plans, which are far greater than anything we could ever plan on our own.
C.S. Lewis on Surrender: As C.S. Lewis wisely put it, “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become—because He made us.” This surrender is not a loss but a gain – a gain of true identity, purpose, and direction.
The Planner vs. The Participant: A Divine Analogy
Imagine planning a trip with friends or family. There’s usually one person who meticulously plans every detail, and another who’s just along for the ride. In our walk with God, we often find ourselves trying to be the planner, but God invites us to be the participant.
The Planners Among Us: If you’re a planner, you probably love having control over every aspect of your life. You create plans, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. But when it comes to living out your purpose, God asks you to hand over the reins.
The Role of the Participant: Being a participant doesn’t mean being passive; it means trusting the One who has already mapped out the journey. You might not know every stop along the way, but you can trust that God’s itinerary is perfect.
Relief in Trust: There’s a sense of relief that comes from knowing we don’t have to plan out our entire lives. God has already done that for us. Our job is to trust and follow, allowing Him to lead us into the good works He’s prepared in advance.
Calling vs. Vocation: Understanding the Difference
One of the most significant misconceptions about purpose is the idea that it’s tied to our vocation. While our job or career can be a part of our purpose, it’s not the whole story.
Purpose Beyond Career: Your purpose is not confined to your job title. Whether you’re a teacher, a stay-at-home mom, an electrician, or a student, your purpose is far greater than the tasks you perform each day.
David’s Example: Consider King David. His purpose was not to be a king; it was to be a man after God’s own heart. His vocation as a king was simply the platform through which he lived out his purpose. Similarly, your job is a platform, but your purpose is rooted in your relationship with God.
Purpose in Every Season: Regardless of where you are in life – employed, unemployed, in school, or retired – you have a purpose. Your role may change, but your purpose remains. It’s about living for God, wherever you are, in whatever season you’re in.
Overcoming Threats to Your Purpose
As we pursue our purpose, there are inevitable challenges that threaten to derail us. Understanding these threats and how to overcome them is crucial to staying on track.
Living Like the World
The first threat is the temptation to live like the world. In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul warns against returning to the patterns of sin and disobedience that once defined our lives.
Sinful Patterns: When we allow ourselves to be influenced by the world’s values, we risk drifting away from God’s purpose for our lives. This can manifest in various ways, such as prioritizing personal desires over God’s will or compromising our faith to fit in.
Living by the Spirit: To counter this, we must live by the Spirit, allowing God’s Word to guide our actions and decisions. This requires intentionality in our relationship with God, staying rooted in Scripture, and seeking His will above all else.
All-In Commitment: Living out your purpose demands an all-in commitment. There’s no room for half-hearted devotion. It’s about fully surrendering to God and letting go of anything that hinders your walk with Him.
Pride
Pride is another significant obstacle. It’s tempting to take credit for our successes and accomplishments, but this mindset can lead us away from God’s purpose.
The Danger of Self-Reliance: When we rely on our abilities and achievements, we shift the focus from God to ourselves. This not only leads to pride but also distances us from the grace that enables us to fulfill our purpose.
The Way of Jesus: Jesus modeled humility and sacrifice, always pointing to the Father rather than seeking His own glory. To live out our purpose, we must follow His example, giving God the glory for all that we do.
Resisting Cultural Norms: In a culture that promotes self-promotion and individualism, resisting pride is a daily challenge. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to live differently, prioritizing God’s purpose over our desires for recognition and success.
Judgment and Disunity
Disunity within the body of Christ is a significant threat to living out our purpose. Paul addresses this in Ephesians 2:13-14, emphasizing the importance of unity among believers.
Unity in Diversity: The Church is a diverse body, made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Yet, we are called to be one in Christ. This unity is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose, both individually and collectively.
Avoiding Judgment: Judgment and comparison often lead to disunity. When we focus on what God is doing in someone else’s life, we can easily lose sight of our purpose. Instead, we should celebrate others’ successes and support each other in our journeys.
Peace and Love: Paul reminds us that Christ came to bring peace and destroy the barriers that divide us. To live out our purpose, we must prioritize peace and love, working together as one body to advance God’s Kingdom.
The Role of Difficulty in Shaping Our Purpose
Living out your purpose doesn’t mean life will be easy. In fact, challenges and difficulties are often a part of the journey.
Growth Through Adversity: Difficulties shape us, strengthen our faith, and refine our character. They teach us to rely on God, trust His timing, and persevere in our purpose.
Embracing the Process: Embrace the process, even when it’s hard. Know that God is using every situation to prepare you for the good works He has planned.
God’s Faithfulness: Remember that God is faithful. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). Trust that He is working in and through you, even in the midst of challenges.
A Prayer for Purpose
Consider this prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us with purpose and intentionality. Help us to embrace our unique design and trust in the good works You have prepared for us. May we surrender our plans and desires to You, knowing that Your plans are far greater. Give us the courage to live out our purpose with humility, unity, and perseverance. We pray for strength to overcome the challenges we face and for Your peace to guide us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take Action: This week, take time to reflect on the unique purpose God has for you. Ask Him to reveal areas where you need to surrender control and trust His plan. Consider how you can live out your purpose in your daily life, whether at work, in your relationships, or within your community. Remember, you are God’s masterpiece, created for good works that He has prepared for you. Step into that purpose with confidence and faith.
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