We find different people throughout the Bible who followed their God-given, specific purpose. Abraham became the father of a nation just like God called him to do. Abraham was the father of Isaac, who was the father of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. Yes, that Israel. The Israel that became a nation through the line of Abraham. David became the nation of Israel’s second king. Acts 13:36, says; “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep” (NIV). “Fell asleep” is the Bible’s nice way of saying he died. David fulfilled God’s purpose for him while on this earth.
Nehemiah served his specific purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall and restoring the hope of his people. Ester was given a purpose of saving her people. Ester 4:14, says; “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (NIV). Maybe God has you in a position right now for such a time as this. I would encourage you to read Ester’s story in its entirety.
Peter fulfilled his purpose in being a leader in the early church. Paul fulfilled his purpose of being an apostle to the Gentiles (those who were not Jewish). There are numerous examples of people in the Bible following their God-given, specific purpose.
Proverbs 29:18, says; “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV). Tony Campolo says, “The world is not so much sinful as it is dead.” Part of the reason that people are walking around in the world, and even in the church, like dead people is because they have no vision, no God-given purpose for existing. They are what Zig Ziglar used to call a “wandering generality instead of a meaningful specific.”
I believe John 10:10 gives us two specific purpose statements. Jesus is speaking in this verse and he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV). The first is the purpose statement of Satan. The reason for his existence is to steal, kill, and destroy everything that is good in your life and especially your hope of eternal life. Jesus’ whole purpose for existing is to give you life and to give it to the full. The King James Version words it this way, “Life more abundantly”. The Message says, “so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of”.
That is why “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for” (Ephesians 1:11, The Message). It is only in Jesus we find out our specific purpose. To not have that purpose is deadening. To discover and follow that purpose is life to the full; life more abundantly; it is real and eternal life, more and better life than we ever dreamed of!
Helen Keller said it well when asked if there was anything worse than being blind and she replied, “Yes, being able to see and having no vision.” If you would like some specific steps in discovering your God-given purpose please look at my last blog: 5 Clues to Uncover Your N.I.C.H.E.
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Tommy Lanham is a dynamic, award-winning speaker who has been training individuals and organizations to reach their God-given potential for 25 years. With a unique blend of Ziglar motivation and ragamuffin faith, Tommy delivers powerful, life changing messages filled with humor, hope, and enthusiasm.
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