"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
As humankind, the concept of purpose is certainly not a stranger to us. It's not uncommon to express knowledge of one's purpose, seek one's purpose or even ponder or question one's purpose in life. The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'purpose' as
1. the reason for which something is done or for which something exists, and
2. strong determination. For purposes of this message, the former will be predominant.
How to Secure Purpose in this Life
If you have been genuinely saved by Grace through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, your purpose has been secured, no matter what the surrounding circumstances dictate, or irrespective of things that occur outside of your control. Of course, this doesn't suggest that your life will be free from troubles, difficulties, suffering, sickness, a COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise. However, it does guarantee that God will cause all of the above (and beyond) to work collectively for your benefit and success. Such a guarantee is nonexistent in the realm of worldly pursuits. A heart that's perfect towards God is implied in such an instance.
(2 Chronicles 16:9)
A Counterfeit Purpose
Any purpose that fails to satisfy the above criteria is contrived or counterfeit. That is, If one has merely claimed to have committed to a life of service in Christ, this qualifies as nothing more than a deception. Among the elements of true repentance is a changed life. In other words, a life of faith founded in Christ must consistently demonstrate a turn from sin, and a turn to God. Otherwise, false claims begin to surface. What truly exposes this form of a superficial christian walk is the fact that, ultimately, the evidence of fruit becomes doubtful or problematic. (Matthew 7:20)
Faithful in Purpose
Among those in the Bible that rank among those who are most noteworthy in terms of serving God's purpose faithfully include Joseph, Joshua and the Apostle Paul.
The story of Joseph is told in the Book of Genesis. As the eleventh born son of Jacob and the object of his favor, he would also become the object of his brother's bitter hostility. Driven by jealousy and vengeance, they devised an evil plot whereby Joseph was cast into a pit, and finally sold into slavery.
However, this was only the beginning of his woes. He was falsely accused, arrested, imprisoned and forgotten about by the people he served. Nonetheless, the Bible reports that the LORD was with Joseph and he prospered (Genesis 39:2-6), and thus blessed those who he came in contact with.
Pharaoh appointed him ruler over Egypt (second in terms of authority) and Joseph was a key figure in ensuring that an entire nation would survive a famine. Joseph is the ideal of perseverance and truly a product of God's purpose.
Joshua was a man worthy of his calling, and chosen by Moses as his successor. His courage, character and leadership skills were a direct result of the role he assumed as a dedicated servant of Moses. Remember, the ability to serve well is a prerequisite to one's ability to lead well. What an impressive resume of credentials to aspire towards.
Joshua was a masterful military strategist, as God used him mightily and blessed him abundantly. God entrusted him with the command of an elite fighting force; they were well trained soldiers, both disciplined and duty-bound. As orders were issued by Joshua, they were readily received and carried out by those under his command. For a period of seven years, God caused Joshua to triumph over their enemies in battle after battle. (Joshua 12:1-20)
As Moses expressed in his final address to Israel: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Victory is assured, despite the dread, drudgery and duration of external conflict. (1 Timothy 1:18)
The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was one of the most formidable foes of the Christian movement, as told in the 9th Chapter of Acts. He was a Pharisee, well educated and committed to the purpose of annihilating Christians. During one of his campaigns to paralyze the Christian movement in Damascus, he sought orders from the high priest prior to his departure. Little did he realize that this would spell the demise of his terrorist campaign to threaten and brutalize Christians.
The risen Lord stopped Saul dead in his tracks as he approached Damascus. Saul was then blinded by the Light of the Living Lord from heaven, taken to the ground, humbled, weakened and broken by the Lord, and then lead to Damascus. There he remained blinded for three days, he prayed, was converted, his sight was restored, he stood up, was baptized by the disciple Ananias, fed and was strengthened. Saul's life would forever be changed. The persecutor had become the persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)
This dramatic and spectacular Damascus road event is probably not something that we will ever witness, but a humble submission and a change of mind, heart and direction will remain common to all who will surrender their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 13:15)
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