The Importance of Having Purpose!

I've been pondering "purpose."

I'm happiest when I know my purpose. Of course I always have a purpose but I forget sometimes what it is. My children are grown, my house is managable, I have time to turn the world upside down, don't I Lord! Lord, you bless me by using me from time to time, but I'm wanting more. Is this complaining? Maybe to be used more, he needs to refine me first in some areas. Or maybe I just need more faith. Or, imagine this, maybe I just need to pray for it! Now there is an idea! And I know he uses imperfect people. Yes, that is me! I qualify!

So why am I writing about purpose??? Because some days I just don't "feel" a purpose and that is such a let down. Now if I have a purpose to prepare a teaching, a lesson, and it consumes my entire week, I am blessed. I am walking in my purpose. But what of when I don't have that assignment and I "feel" a lag in my usefulness? It is then I must remember (because I forget) to pray, "Lord, use me in a little way, to let someone be touched by you today."

Now, there are those obvious purposes, important purposes ...taking care of family, spouse... those are always there. But there are purposes, in the other realm (spiritual), that we can be so blessed by as well. To me, they are the frosting on the cake of the Christian life. I've been ruined by them. But I get feeling lacking sometimes, because I forget to request that they happen. You see, when I get to pray for someone, get to encourage someone, or whatever the Lord puts before me that day...it is exciting because I see the Lord make a difference in someone. I see sadness turn to peace. I see hope in place of giving up. So, I'd like my day to be filled with a dozen or so of these experiences throughout the day. I'm greedy in this and I can never get enough of them. Bringing light and chasing darkness away! I love it. When I do remember to pray, "Lord, use me today for YOUR purpose." He always answers this prayer! Duh!

Then, this morning I was listening to a teaching on the radio as I got ready. He talked about when we share the gospel... the way of salvation..with others.. the joy that comes into our being because this is what we are to be doing! Of course, this is my purpose. It's there plainly in black and white in the Book. Then I wondered, how often do I do this? Yes, I've been doing it now with a dying uncle. He is dying, there is little time left! But other than that, I rarely do it. TO be truthful, I've been evangelized before, as a saved believer, and I didn't like it. There are just bad ways of it being done.. you know the in your face- no love - kind of evangelizing. Ick! Makes you feel ashamed of being one of "them"...cold evangelism. They made an asumption, a wrong asumption... evidentally were not Spirit-led. But Spirit-led sharing of the gospel...that's good.

Another thing I've observed about "purpose" is that if we THINK our purpose is all about something about ourself... that is a sure killer of joy and is a lie. I'm thinking of a dear friend, who needs a physical healing. Her whole life can become so void of joy. Her self-appointed purpose is to find how to get her healing..and it just isn't coming to her yet. So it is another day of disappointment after another day of disappointment. But if she would grab hold of a higher purpose, one that serves others, she could have some joy in life as she waits for the day that will be "her" day. I'd love to see her move on in this. We talked about it just yesterday. She is open to this thought, this change in her way of living.

What is our purpose in a nutshell? To be good at where we are...... good at mothering, being a wife/husband, being an employee, etc. and then, to also walk in people purposes .. ministering to our brothers and sisters, as the Lord opens the way ... to be there to encourage, lift up, hold up, and serve. It is our purpose. We can do it no matter what our station...mother of young children, mid life, senior year... there are always people around us needing a touch, needing a smile, needing a prayer. I say! Go after this purpose with all you have. It is catching.

One last thought.... if we get that feeling in us that something is missing in my life, even though I have the Lord... It is because I have not found and am not walking in my full purpose. My prayer is, "Lord, what is it I am to be doing that will remove that feeling that something is missing?"

Eric Liddle (Chariots of Fire) found his purpose and it goes like this: He said, "when I run, I feel his pleasure." Now, I feel God's pleasure when I worship, when I rejoice in his Word, but what else is there that he has gifted me for, that when I do it, I feel His pleasure? I believe he is leading us all to discover that! When we do, and then walk in it... nothing will feel missing.