12 Days of ThanksLiving, Day 8: Purpose
ThanksLiving, Day 8: Purpose
“But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16
purpose[pur-puh s] noun
1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3. determination; resoluteness.
4. the subject in hand; the point at issue.
5. practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.
Purpose? What purpose?
I remember the day clearly. I was about 12 years old, I went to the kitchen to get a snack. From out of the clear blue sky, a question hit my mind, What is life all about? Why am I on this earth?, and more importantly, What is my purpose? As far as I could tell, I didn’t really seem to have a purpose. I wasn’t particularly gifted or good at anything.
These questions hounded me day and night for years. While I suffered much anxiety and fear from these questions, they ultimately led me to a saving relationship with Christ.
God’s purpose
One of the Greek words for purpose is prothesis. At its root, prothesis means to set forth to be looked at, to place in public view. According to this definition, part of our purpose in Christ is to make manifest the power of God in our life. We are to shine forth how He has redeemed, restored and shaped us into the image of Christ. We place ourselves in public view when we purposefully use our gifts to speak God’s truth to the lost of the world. How are you using your gifts to show the world there is purpose to your life?
A ThanksLiving life of purpose
We have all been gifted by God to do very specific works in very specific places. No, you don;t have to go start a world wide ministry, God already has a world wide ministry going on. You need to find ways to use your gifts right here, right now. Ask your self two questions:
- What’s in your hands? (ability to clean, bake, caregive, write, speak, teach, sing, encourage, fix, sew, etc.)
- Who needs it? (your family, neighbors, church, the elderly, your local school etc.)
Now, go find a way to give it. In your giving and serving you will find your purpose.
Give Thanks for Purpose
Purpose of Life: Dear Father, we give thanks for You have called us to live a life of purpose. Thank you we have a reason to get up each day and we have important work to do for Your kingdom. We also give thanks because You use all things for Your purposes … good things, bad things, hard things, painful things. You even re-purpose our failings and mistakes to work for our good and Your glory. Father, You have specifically gifted us to be fruitful and effective ministers of your Word. We are Your hands and feet. Please send us and use us according to Your purpose. We thank you for the gift of purpose.
More ThanksLiving Purpose
One Anna, One Purpose a Bible study by Mary Kane
On Purpose a short Bible study by Mary Kane
Comment
Please leave a comment below in the Comment section on what God teaches you today about purpose.
Previous Links
- Introduction
- Day 1: Light
- Day 2: Cleansing
- Day 3: Sacrifice
- Day 4: God’s Word
- Day 5: Restoration
- Day 6: Service
- Day 7: Redemption