Your Purpose

I’ve been reading in the Book of Acts this month. I read a passage in Acts 11:21, 23, 29  (NKJ) The Scriptures have stayed with me so I want to share them with you.

Acts 11:21 says, “And the hand of the Lord was with them . . .” – Just think about it. The hand of the Almighty God is with me and you as well! An awesome thought. We are never alone. If we belong to Him, His hand is always with us. The hand of God can move mountains – heal the sick – part the Red Sea – Stop the Sun ! Any struggle we have – any doubt we have about our own ability should be put to rest, knowing the hand of God is with us. On our own we can’t do a lot, but with the hand of God, we can do anything!

The next verse that grabbed my heart was Acts 11:23 – This Scripture is talking about Barnabas when he saw the grace of God. The Scripture says “He was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart, they should continue with the Lord.” The phrase “purpose of heart” was what touched my heart. It tells me that we have to be deliberate in our devotion to God. We have to make it a purpose of our  heart. The dictionary’s definition of “purpose” is “the reason for existence”!! Oh my –  this means that the reason for our existence is that we continue with the Lord. The meaning of “continue” is “throughout a period of  time”. For us, as Christians, that means throughout all of time.

Then, Acts 11:29 – hits home again, “Then, the disciples each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling Judea.” Let this take root in your heart. Each of us has different abilities. We don’t need to look at others and wish we were like them. Our purpose is gifted to us individually. God knew us before we took our first breath. He formed us in His image. His image is greater than we can know – containing many attributes. He imparts particular characteristics to each of us, according to His will.  He made us, breathed life into us, knew everything there about us before we were born. He planted abilities within us for His purposes, custom-made to fit our personalities. If we look to another wanting to be like them, then we are fighting against who God made us to be and the purpose He created us for.

This should take a lot of stress from us. God just wants us to be free – from guilt, condemnation, worry, and anything else that takes our attention away from Him and His purpose for our lives. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He is indescribable.  Be at peace in your own skin. Let your light shine through your own personality. God made you who you are. Don’t change anything He doesn’t tell you to change. Rest in His arms and quit struggling. He made you. He likes you just the way you are. He will train you up in the way you should go. No one else can do that.

Tags: God's Image, God's Purpose For My Life, My Abilities, Our Purpose, The Hand of God