I enjoy how Debbie introduces herself in this chapter. She has a way of making you feel like you know her personally, because she seems to be so much like us in so many ways. She began to see her need to fulfill her own purpose when she already was a wife and a mom, leading an average life. She longed to figure out her purpose and reach that seemingly unreachable dream of becoming a writer. During this time, she found Christ, and was introduced to a ladies Bible study where she grew to love the Word of God. She began to grow in faith. I believe that where she started is the best starting point for finding our purpose. When we begin to know who we are in Christ, we want to make our life count for the kingdom. We find out who we are in Christ as we read and study the Word, and consistent Bible Study is a great catalyst for that. Through her cousin’s death, she received the revelation that she could no longer just dream about fulfilling her purpose of being a writer someday. She had to be one now. I hope that same kind of passion is rising on the inside of you….no more waiting, do it now!
I love the analogy of purpose being our suitcase, passion being our carry-on, and patience being our garment bag. Since we are on a journey, let’s determine to enjoy it. You are where you are at this moment. Where you want to be may seem totally out of reach. If we want to make it to our destination, we have to put one foot in front of the other, and begin where we are. One of my friends says this: start where you are, it’s your only choice! If our dreams are always tomorrow, we will never go anywhere. If we are dependent on everything being perfect to begin, it will never happen! If we aren’t convinced that fulfilling our purpose is not optional, but God’s mandate for our life, we will flounder and live mediocre lives, dying with a long list of regrets. I don’t know about you, but for me that is not an option! Let’s learn to make the most of now. This moment in your life can be the first step toward your destiny!
Oliver Wendell Holme’s statement… that “most of us go to our graves with our music still inside us”, was a light bulb moment for me. For those of you who know me personally, you can probably know that worshipping God is my passion. I love writing songs, singing and playing for the Lord. I have written hundreds of songs and poems that could be set to music, and all of them are hidden in my heart or hidden in my file cabinet. So I am telling you all, and God that I get the hint….no lightning bolt needed! I will let the music out. I encourage you to do the same. Find your music….whatever it may be, and sing your song!
SO TRUE- Statement- page 3, 2nd half of first paragraph…. “We were designed for something special. I believe that something special is reflected in the strong desires God puts in our hearts through our dreams, our passions, and through the things that bring us joy.”
Highlight Scripture: Galatians 6:1, 4-5 (The Message) Live creatively friends… Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Discussion Questions – (Your Homework!) You can do this on your own and respond to in the comment section of the blog if you desire.
- What is it that gets you excited? What do you love to do? What are you passionate about?
- Did you try the experiment on page 14? What are your P-words and S-words?
- Write down 5 goals that seem totally out of reach. Seal them in an envelope for later.
- What can you do, at this moment, as a first step toward fulfilling your purpose?
- Have you had a light bulb moment in regard to purpose? What was it and how did it affect you?
My Prayer for you: Dear Father, I come to you in Jesus name, thanking you for sending Jesus to fulfill his purpose on the earth, so that we can know you. I thank you that we are created for purpose and that you place talents, abilities, and gifts in us so that we can passionately live out our purpose on the earth and promote and impact the Kingdom of God. I ask you to bless each one who reads this with favor and blessing as they follow after You and find their purpose in You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN
Before I respond to the homework questions, I want to share that this book has already been such a blessing thus far. It is so encouraging to be able to find hope in the simple fact that we are all created for purpose, whether or not we are fully aware of that purpose at this point in our lives. I am excited to travel this journey of seeking out God's full purpose for my life. I anticipate growing closer to Him through this process, and becoming more aware of who I truly am in Him. Throughout these next several weeks I hope to learn even more deeply what it truly means to be His daughter, as I pursue His will for my life!
ReplyDeleteHomework Questions:
1. Truly, what gets me excited, and what I feel so passionate about doing is helping others. I long to empower women, mothers, and children who are less fortunate, and I desire to motivate fathers and husbands who have no self-worth. I have an innate longing to serve and to speak to the at-risk population, in an effort to instill hope and determination in their lives. I love building relationship with others and gaining insight into their lives. I love gaining wisdom that often can only come from spending time with individuals, loving others, serving, and giving what I have as often as I’m able to give. Ultimately, I deeply desire to allow myself to be completely used by God in whatever capacity he sees fit. I have recently found such joy in surrendering myself 100% to His will for my life. Periodically, I have felt a longing to serve in the mission field, whether it be local or abroad. I have had some wonderful opportunities to serve on numerous mission trips, some within the U.S., and some abroad. When I am serving I feel I am completely where God wants me to be. I simply want to be used by God to serve others, and I do not want my fears to interfere with His purpose for my life in that regard specifically.
3. What can I do in this moment as a first step to fulfilling my purpose? My immediate goal is to pray that my fear of failure and rejection be lifted, and that my eyes would remain open to the needs around me that I am capable of assisting with. I plan to set aside my fears in an effort to embrace all God has for me, and I plan to commit myself first and foremost to use my gifts and abilities within my church and community, while remaining open to all the potential possibilities God has for me in the way of ministry and service to others outside of my community.
4. Lightbulb Moment: I had two lightbulb moments as I was reading this chapter. The first was when Debbie stated that “life has no guarantees” and the second was when she stated that “your purpose does not end with your spouse or your children.” I instantly felt convicted to actively pursue my life purpose and to move forward in an effort to fulfill that purpose. I realized regardless of life circumstances I have a purpose and that purpose does not end with the individuals in my life, including my spouse and children. I’m in awe at just how limitless the possibilities are for me as I think about all God truly has in store for my life! These lightbulb moments have inspired me to relinquish any feelings of doubt, fear, and lack of self-worth I have, and to embrace each moment with all I have in me. I am learning it’s better to take it just one step at a time and to persevere, trust, and endure, than to wonder what could have been while sitting back and wallowing in doubt and fear of the unknown. I’m convinced that the only way my purpose will be fulfilled is by my effort to daily challenging myself, stepping out of my comfort zone, and living in obedience to Him.
Hope you are all enjoying this book as much as I have been!! Have a great week!
Jenn Stallones
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