What is your purpose in life? Or, more to the point, what is God’s purpose for your life? Lest you think God doesn’t have a purpose just for you and you alone, recall the following:
“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 a hope and a future.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [Jeremiah 1:5]
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” [Ephesians 2:10]
God has a plan and a purpose for everyone, and He can use everyone, even murderers (Moses), those who defy (Jonah) and those who deny (Peter). He can even use thieves. I can still remember watching an aerial shot of a bridge being bombed just behind a car that was still crossing the bridge, and the announcer commented: “There goes the luckiest man in the world.” Immediately I thought that I knew who the luckiest man in the world actually was–a thief:
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42-43]
The life of this thief seemed to have no Godly purpose until the very end, and we now can read one of the most comforting passages in the Bible. From execution to paradise. All he had to do was ask.
I know of many people who do know God’s purpose for their lives, from ministers to music directors, teachers and cooks, singers and caregivers, volunteers and those who pray and give generously.
But I also suspect there are others who are still searching for their Godly purpose. To you I would say–all you have to do is ask.
Blessings, Keith