It’s not uncommon to question, ‘what on earth am I doing’? To preface this topic, I will say that to everything there is a purpose. From creation to Y-O-U, our God designed each detail according to His plan and purpose for our lives in Him. I know you’ve probably heard this about a million times – but don’t tune out! It’s important to understand that we are not random in this life or on this earth. Again, we have reason!
In John 12:28, Jesus makes clear His purpose on this earth; Jesus says, "Father, bring glory and honor to your name" and a voice from Heaven says "I have already done this and will do it again,” and Jesus then says, "When I am lifted up on the cross, I will draw all men to me." The crowd asks Jesus why He has to die, and he says he is the Light of the world, but "Make use of the Light while there is still time; then you will become son [and daughters] of the light (John 12:36)”. This passage tells us that God has a plan for our lives, just as He did for Jesus. My life is to simply bring glory and honor to His Name; as well as for me to be a ‘light bearer’ making known the ‘good news’ to others here on earth.
In John 16, Jesus begins to tell his followers what to expect in life after His death and resurrection. He describes how the Holy Spirit will become their helper and guide; that the world will continue to hate Christ, and will even rejoice at His passing. However, in verse 22, he also notes that “our tears will be turned into joy when we see the plans the Lord has for us”, and that "no one can rob you of this joy." Verse 27 says, "The father loves you dearly". Verse 33 says, "I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world."
From this we can gather several things:
- I have been saved for a purpose: to bring honor and glory to God, and to be a light bearer of his good news to others.
- I am dearly loved by God, who made me and caused me to be born for a specific reason, time and purpose (= I am no accident!)
- He sends His Holy Spirit to guide and teach me and grow me up into Jesus' likeness here on earth.
- He knows things will be hard at times, but wants me to grow through them and trust God to lead me in His paths.
These are just a few of the reasons we are here on earth: to grow, to spread the good news to others, and to glorify God in our lives. I am no theologian, but I do think God reveals Himself when we look for Him and ask Him to teach us.
Much of the Christian life comes down to TRUST and FAITH. What does this mean? I can think with my mind that God should do this or that; or that God is waiting too long to do this or that; or that I have a better plan than God. These are all seriously wrong, prideful thoughts. When I try to out-think and out-plan God, I have set myself and my will above God's (also known as disobedience). What I need to do every morning is to simply surrender myself to Him (Matthew 16:24; 10:38) and acknowledge that His plans are better than my own agenda. Isaiah 55:9 mirrors this very notion: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are HIS ways higher than my ways, and HIS thoughts than my thoughts.”
It’s all about perspective. This life is ultimately not about me or even about you; it’s about our God, and what He is doing in us and through us for His glory and honor. Here’s a simple prayer to review:
Lord, I am yours today. Your will - not mine, be done. Your thoughts - not mine be followed. Your work - Your way - not mine, today. I want to give myself to You, and I am listening for Your voice in my heart to lead me in your ways. I would love to just go on up to Heaven, and bypass all the messy life down here, but as long as you have me placed on this earth, I will seek to do what you want from me and make my life a living sacrifice to you. Help me do this, just today, dear Lord. Thank you for leading me.
Then, step out in faith and believe that NOTHING happens to me today that God is surprised about. Nothing happens to me today that didn't pass through God's permissive will. He allows and uses all things in my life to draw me closer to Him in trust, and in making me more like Jesus.
So, relax, and smile! God LOVES YOU DEARLY and has a great plan for your life! Trust Him to do His will in you today.
PS: I LOVE to read, but I know not everyone does. However, I highly recommend The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Additional Reading
Psalm 139:14
Jeremiah 29:11
Exodus 9:16
Job 36:5
Psalm 33:10 -11
Psalm 138:8
