Purpose

This is the written version of a devotion given to the NC₃ Missions Team in Lynch, KY, on June 20, 2012.

In early June, my wife and I observed our children playing in the sand at a lake. They dug with their shovels working on building a pool with a wall around it. We noticed a little boy who observed what our children were doing with interest. Our children invited him to join them. He continued observing, but with closer proximity. He was then briefed on the task at hand: digging a pool and building a wall. He dove into the process. My wife and I discussed this somewhat, noticing that once the boy had a purpose, he thrived.

Purpose produces thriving.

What is your purpose in general? What is your purpose today? What is your purpose right here? What is your purpose right now?

I used to think everything had to have a rational explanation, but maybe discovering your purpose is your actual purpose for being here.

Purpose may be as much in the journey as in the outcome (and we may not know the purpose this side of Heaven though there is one).

Some of our work my seem incomplete. We may not finish the construction work. Another group came. Another group will come.

Look at 1 Corinthians 3:5-11 (NASB):

What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

One seeds. One waters, but God grows. The foundation is in Christ.

Look at Proverbs 19:21 (NASB):

Many plans are in a man's heart,
But the counsel of the Lord will stand.

It is about the Lord's purpose, not your agenda.

Finally, look at Philippians 1:3-6 (NASB):

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

We can be confident. He who began a good work in you will also complete it.

Purpose ultimately is in Christ and He will bring it to completion.

You are part of the process. We have this window.

Are you helping others find their purpose so they can thrive in Christ?

Are you serving? Sharing the Gospel (seeding)? Speaking into lives (seeding and watering)? Speaking to their gifts (watering)?

And…

Are you trusting God to grow and complete the work?

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