God has a dream for your life. Do you know what it is? Are you living it?
Do you need some help discovering it?
Paul rested in God’s sovereignty as to the “when” and “how” of completing his assignment, even when facing challenges and uncontrollable situations.
Completing his assignment was hard and full of many challenges along the way. Yet Paul persevered and continue to live out his assignment even in the midst of challenges.
2 Corinthians 6:3-11 lists a brief summary.
- He faced resistance: “The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they killed Paul. More that forty men were involved in this plot.”Acts 23:13
- He had to take unpopular stances:Galatians1-2
- The difficult and unexpected happened at times like surviving a Shipwreck in Acts 27:14
- Occasionally, Paul chose to follow God’s leading even when friends and co-leaders disagreed. “When we heard this, we and the people pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul answered, why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:11-14
Often the environment in which Paul lived out his assignment was under the control of others.
-
“When two years had passed Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because he wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” Acts 24:27
- Acts 14: 1-7
What looked like a left turn or a delay to Paul was a straight lines and perfect timing for God.
-
When Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem, he was promptly beaten and arrested. (Left turn) Acts 21:27
-
Paul’s journey to Rome was stalled by his being held for two years in Felix’s jail and being shipwrecked near Malta for three months. (Delay) Acts 24
-
God still worked through each of these moments. Acts 24
There were key moments along the way where God supernaturally encouraged Paul.
-
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘take courage! ’As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in RomeActs 23:11
Today’s Questions:
Has the pursuit of my assignment been disrupted by circumstances that I could not control?
How did God show up? What have I learned about God’s participation during these times?
Today’s Action:
Read through today’s verse and make note of how Paul persevered, how Paul still lived out his purpose in less than ideal circumstances, and how God showed up. Reflect on your own life. How might God be inviting you to both persevere and live out your purpose in your current circumstances?
Final Thought:
Discovering your purpose and living out your purpose is a lifelong journey with God. We pray that God has started to clarify your purpose, encourage you, or call you to your next step. Keep seeking Him. Like Jesus said to the first disciples, we are invited to “Follow Him.” As we do, we will discover the life God has for us.
Invite a Friend to Discover Their Purpose
Send them a text with a message like this: “Join the 5-Day Purpose Challenge with me! Text “Purpose” to 21999 to get started.”