PURPOSE
06th Jun 2017
I read a very disturbing article in the newspaper a couple of weeks ago. There has been some research which shows that one third of young people in their teens are struggling with depression. The reasons given most frequently are lack of purpose and identity and a fear of the future.
This is something that should not be present in any believer, however, we can too be caught up in the spirit of the age and lose our sense of purpose and destiny. So let us be reminded of what God thinks of us and has planned for our lives.
In Isaiah 43:1 we are told, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” We are not just a statistic with a Passport number and a Tax Code, God knows us by name and we are precious to Him and are constantly in His thoughts.
It was not our idea to become a Christian, we were in God’s heart before we were born and Jesus made this very clear when he said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) We are chosen for a purpose, which is to bear fruit. How do we do that? One way is to so live displaying the Fruit of the Spirit that others have plenty of fruit they can pick from our lives.
We also live as salt and light in this dark and tasteless world where Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
And what about the tough times? Pauls says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) The “all things” are not necessarily good, but in the “all things” God is working in us and moulding us for His purpose in our lives.
Live with joy and purpose today.
by Charles Sibthorpe
