I can still see myself sitting at the kitchen table in my pajamas as a teen. After everyone had gone to bed, and the house was quiet, I wrote. I wrote a lot of things in a journal questioning my purpose. I suppose you could say I was talking to God on those pages. I may have even written “Dear God” at the top of some of those rants.
Even still today, I ask God daily to show me my purpose, how I can best walk this journey of faith with him close. These words of Paul really resonate with me today, and I feel a kindred spirit with him and how he sees his own journey.
What about you? Do you know what purpose God has for you? When is the last time you asked him to direct your path or help you get back on track?
We are all on a journey through life. This passage is a great reminder for us to be asking the question, “what next, God?” Aligning our hearts with Paul’s would be a good starting point. “And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” Isn’t this what it’s all about? This. This is our purpose. It’s not always easy to live a life that brings honor to Christ. Is it?
None of us knows when our time will be up to spend time in this world. That can be a hard truth for some people to handle, so they fear death. While I don’t want to speed it along myself, I’m enjoying the journey and the people in my life, I’m not afraid.
Paul says it brilliantly. “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.” I can totally relate to that! It’s like a win-win. If I wake up tomorrow, that’s a win. If I see Jesus face to face tomorrow instead, that’s a win. God chooses. I don’t want to waste a moment of time that he has given me.
I’m going to continue to ask the question regularly, “God, why am I here?” I know he will show me by opening the doors I need to walk through. And, I’m learning to accept and welcome the peace he gives me, patience really, as I wait for those opportunities. Are you having a hard time waiting for some answer in your life?
It’s time to lean into the joy of your faith. Paul was looking forward to helping the Christians in Philippi nurture that joy. Paul stepped into his role as their spiritual leader and his confidence in making a difference is very encouraging. We can take the lead like this in our own lives when we have certainty that God is leading the way.
Take some time to think about the purpose God has assigned to you during your journey of life. What resources do you need to be seeking to keep you rested and ready for action? Do you have the confidence of Paul to make a difference?
Let’s pray … Lord, I am so thankful for how you have made me–flaws and all! You love me just the same. You have given me a purpose, and that is to honor you in all I say and do. Help me to use my gifts to give you glory and help others see how awesome you are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
