Wouldn’t it be helpful if God sent us a visible message giving us direction toward His purpose? Maybe a bright neon sign or a simple text message, something that we wouldn’t miss. Direction with a guarantee would make pursuing your purpose so much easier. No waffling or doubting, just plowing straight ahead. Unfortunately, that is not how God works. He is working toward us getting to know how He works in our lives, teaching us to listen to His still, small voice. There are ways to know and feel the leading of the Lord, but it is not something that you will grasp overnight.
Once we come to faith, the journey begins. On this quest, God transforms you into the image of His Son; we call this process sanctification. The work of grace is finished but has yet to be completed. We must learn that there is no pressure to perform, and no amount of good work will get you there quicker. Jesus won grace for us at the cross. Grace allows you to be a child of God through faith alone. In our humanness, we struggle with this. We want to be in control and think we can help God speed this process up – we can’t.
We also have the Holy Spirit, His helper, who comes to lead and guide you to fulfill God’s purpose. The Bible is to instruct us and shine a light on the path we are to follow. “The word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105 KJV). The Bible is a relevant source for finding your purpose. The Bible is God’s authoritative word and rests on His perfect character and His integrity.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13 KJV)
Salvation fortifies and seals our perpetual destination in heaven. It safeguards us in God’s love, grace, kindness, and goodness. Our purpose then becomes to represent God on earth. It is a high honor to represent a heavenly kingdom. It is like being an ambassador in a foreign land. That is exactly what we are. John says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (John 17:16 NIV). In the New Testament, the word world comes from the Greek word cosmos, meaning the earth we live on and the people living there that function apart from God. The simple definition refers to a world ruled by Satan. This gives us a greater understanding and appreciation when Jesus says, “They are not of the world.” In this world, you are God’s representative here on earth. Ambassadors don’t represent themselves but are citizens of another country. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” (NASB). We represent the love of God in this world. Freely we have received it, and freely we should give it.
