INTRODUCTION: Have you ever heard or said these words before? “You did that on purpose.”
The reply to someone saying that is almost always, “no I didn’t, it was an accident.”
God has never had an accident!
As you read the Bible you discover that God is a God of purpose.
You may look at the circumstances surrounding your birth, no matter the circumstances surrounding your life right now, God has never had an accident.
God has a purpose for your life. Although you have had accidents, God has never had an accident.
GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE!
Several years ago Pastor Rick Warren wrote a great book titled, “The Purpose Driven Life.”
He wrote about 5 areas that are our purpose as sons and daughters of God on this earth.
- Worship- Bringing pleasure to God
- Unselfish Fellowship- loving the fellow members of God’s family.
- Spiritual Maturity- Becoming more like Jesus.
- Ministry- Serving others with the unique gifts God has given each of us.
- Mission- Serving unbelievers. God wants you to spread His love to the world.
The first 3 are really pretty clear. It’s when we get to 4 and 5 we have questions. Where do I fit in, what are my gifts, how can a reach the unbeliever.
I believe this is where knowing our specific purpose comes in.
By the way I’ve also found that when I’m engaged in the first 3, 4 and 5 seem to be quickly discovered!
Acts 13:36– “…for after he passionately served God’s purpose for his generation, he died….”
ARE YOU READY TO SERVE GOD’S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE?
Remember, God has never had an accident.
HOW CAN I DISCOVER GOD’S PURPOSE?
- Your purpose is discovered in the presence of the Purpose Giver.
In the Old Testament Isaiah has this incredible experience in the presence of God. The following verses are a result of that encounter with God.
Isaiah 6:8-9– “Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people,….”
Isaiah discovered his purpose in the presence of the purpose giver!
Galatians 1:15-16- “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.”
It’s this personal encounter with the Purpose Giver that we all need to have. Eventually it becomes public but it first needs to be personal.
- Your purpose comes with your availability.
“I said, “Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah)
Acts 9:5-6– “And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
If you really believe God has never had an accident, does He have your YES before He even speaks?
God always desires your willingness!
Psalms 40:8– “I take joy in doing your will, my God…..”
- Your purpose comes when you agree with God.
Jeremiah 1:5-8– “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
What was Jeremiah saying at first? “God you made a mistake!”
God says, “Stop disqualifying yourself!”
Friends, God just needs you to agree with Him! When you do that it becomes about His ability through you! It doesn’t start with your ability. It starts with your availability and then just agreeing with God.
- Your purpose comes when you’ve been faithful over the purpose of another.
In the book of Joshua 1 the Bible tells us that God chose Joshua to lead the Children of Israel into the promised land.
The vision to conquer the promised land did not originate in the heart of Joshua.
He was simply called to be a faithful steward of another man’s purpose! That man was Moses!
Exodus 17:12-14– “Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
Joshua spent 40 years serving Moses and his purpose before leading one of the most notable accomplishments recorded in scripture. He kept his focus, he remained faithful of another man’s purpose.
The purpose that God established in the heart of Moses would ultimately become Joshua’s purpose.
FAITHFULNESS IS BIG IN GOD’S EYES!
Your commitment to faithfulness is not only to another person but is first and foremost to the High calling of God in Christ Jesus for your life.
Jesus said it like this:
Luke 16:10-12– “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?”
Faithfulness births loyalty in every sphere of life!
Maybe your purpose for this season is to serve the purpose of another!
CONCLUSION: For my own spiritual health I need to be disciplined in the purpose God has for my life during this season of life!
But where does it all begin? It begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.
Friend you are not an accident, God has a purpose for you!
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?