Tag Archives: destiny

Got Purpose or Too Busy Surviving?

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In my last blog post, I presented the opening line in Paul’s letter to his spiritual son, Timothy.

“I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God’s plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus.” (2 Tim 1:2  The Message)

Paul knew his individual assignment, but also how he fit into the bigger plan.  Having had my own purpose clarified, I can’t tell you the difference it makes!!I encourage you to seek the Lord about yours!

I am aware though, that many of you are in survival mode. Purpose seems too far out there.  Paying your bills, struggling with health issues, healing a broken heart all seem lots more pressing and urgent.

Clarity seems impossible with all the anxious, colliding thoughts.  But I propose that purpose changes the daily grind into daily gold, so press on. It’s so worth it!

Psalm 23:2 says the Lord leads us beside still waters.  He does this!!

Each morning, even for a few minutes,  I HAVE to sit with the Lord, my still water, and get renewed, refreshed, and restored.

Clarity for purpose has come during these times.  But something came before that…. clarity of who I am.

Recently we saw the movie, “The Karate Kid.”  There is a scene where the karate kid’s trainer has the boy look into a large font of water.  When he stirred the water, the boy’s reflection was distorted and unrecognizable.
Then when the water became still, the boy looked at his reflection again, and of course, it was an accurate representation of his face.

This has been my experience when I sit with the Lord.  He has taught me how to look into His face, gain a quiet stillness in my spirit, and position me to hear and see Him, myself, and my circumstances clearly.

Clarity of purpose comes frequently during those times. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t come while driving to work, doing dishes, or taking a shower!

However, the practice of sitting still with Him, seeking Him, and loving on Him brings a great reward.

Clarity of purpose will take you from trying to survive the day to giving your daily activities meaning.  It brings a hope and perspective.

You need to see yourself as more than a conqueror.  You have been given power and the authority to use it.  Your life is favored and full of good things.  His divine power has already given you EVERYTHING for life and godliness.

Ask God to teach you, to train your mind to see your special purpose and the opportunities to fulfill it.  It is within reach.  It’s how you are made.
Have a great day!
Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann

YOU Matter!

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Praise God!  Another new week to see His mercies, favor, and power displayed in and through YOU!

Whatever your environment or your circumstances, you are positioned for a special purpose.  In fact, your very existence has a special purpose.

Some of you may recall that when I was 18, I discovered a family secret:  As a baby, I had an deadly, incurable infantile disease. The doctors projected that I would die before I was 18 months.


As you can see, I was cured and I’m not dead!

The only way to explain the disappearance of the disease, even by most doctors, was — it was a miracle!

The threat of death has a way of putting things into perspective.  Even as a late teen, consumed by college courses and partying, I was struck that day with the realization that I was spared for a reason.


My life had purpose!  I was alive for a reason!

I’d like to say that that revelation catapulted me into my divine purpose, but it wasn’t long before I forgot all about purpose.

Little did I know that NOT considering and discovering what my purpose was would cause a lot of turmoil, ineffectiveness, and frustration in my life.

That does not mean that God had not been leading and steering me in my purpose anyway… He does that!  However, we get to participate!  
The current of the river will take a boat wherever it will, but a person skilled with a sail can effectively use the mighty wind to stay on course.

One of the most fruitful leaders in our history was the apostle Paul.  I believe one reason is seen in Colossians 1:1

(The Message)


“I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan.”

Paul knew he had a special assignment by Christ.  He knew he was part of God’s master plan.


Do you know that YOU are a part of God’s master plan? Do you know what that part is? Are you aware of YOUR assignment?

If you are experiencing frustration in your life, maybe not having clarity contributes.

In considering this with the Lord, remember, His plans and purposes for you are always good.  He says so.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11

Believe this very familiar, oft-quoted verse and then seek God.  Ask Him to teach you, to begin the discovery process.  I’d love to hear what He says!!

Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann

You are destined for GREATNESS!!

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I have a good word for you today!  If you actually read it and implement it… it may make a profound difference in your life!


Have you ever considered that you have seeds of greatness in you? Now, hear me out.  I’m not talking some “power of positive thinking” message, but a solid biblical truth, one you can actually bank on!

So, what entitles us to believe we have this greatness within us?  Of course, we are Christ’s, co-heirs with Him, new creatures, and made in the image of God.  What He has, we have.

But let’s look at another cool connection.

Galatians 3: 29 says,“And (since) you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

An heir receives what the successor had, in this case, the promise.

What is the promise?

The Lord said to Abram,


“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing… And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

While Genesis does not say that God would make Abram great, but rather his name, let’s remember, a man’ s a name was his essence, his reputation, who he was.

Abram was blessed with the promise of greatness.

In the Hebrew text, GREAT means to be LARGE in body, mind, estate or honor;  to advance, exceed, increase, lift up, magnify, nourish, promote, and tower.

Those are some good words!  Of course, I don’t have to tell you, that all of this is to be in the context of love, not lording it over others.

God would have us be free to fully embrace our greatness, through Him, rather than reject it. He has given you permission!

Don’t agree with any other voice that says you are helpless, impotent, powerless, or insignificant.  Don’t let any circumstance rise up bigger than this truth.

Agree with God this week. The first step in manifesting a truth, is to believe it is true and receive it for yourself.


Ask God to grow you in it, His way.   Ask Him to help you see it more clearly; to even remove any blind spots you may have to your greatness.

It is a gift to you, from Him, and you need this mindset to walk in your true identity and fulfill His destiny marked out for you. You are important in His eyes, and those are the most important eyes to view us.

If you have a comment to this, or a story to share, I would LOVE to hear it!
Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann