Purpose: Who Knew?

All things work together for the good of the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Beautiful One, do you realize that your life and everything you have experienced has a purpose? Not just any purpose, but a very specific one? A purpose was assigned to you before the foundation of the world, and before you were formed in your mother's womb. Think for a moment: if you had not lived through what you did, it would not have caused this or that to have happened. Our circumstances, trials, and even our successes are all part of a divine plan that is larger than we can imagine.

Do you realize that even though you have a freewill, an active thinking mind, and feet that help you carry out your plans, "that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord?" (Proverbs 37:23 NIV)

The truth is, nothing just happens; especially, for those of us who have lived through and survived the unthinkable. When pondering things that don't make sense such as abuse and the bondage of self destructive ways of living, we need to be reminded that nothing just happens; that all things work together for the good of those who are the Lords.(Romans 8:28 NIV)

Do you look back over the pages of your story and feel the desire to rip out a few chapters? Maybe trash the whole book? If so, remember that what happened to you is not the greatest tragedy of your life. The greatest tragedy would be failing to arise from the ashes, ascend the hill, and fulfill your God given purpose on this earth.

Beautiful One, God knows how old you are and what you've been through. He knows who left you, who mistreated you, and who loved you. He knows why you do what you do, and He knows exactly how and when to bring you out. The question we must ask ourselves is, who else knew?

Who knew....

when Joseph's brothers despised him and threw him into a pit that it was the first step of many towards positioning him to help rule Egypt?

who knew that a prostitute, with one act of faith, would save her whole house?

who knew that a fearful man named Gideon would receive a Word and help from the Lord and take down a whole army?

who knew that Jonah was still in Gods will despite running away? Who knew that God could sustain a man in the belly of a big fish and still use him to carry out the plans He had for him?.

who knew that three men could be thrown into a raging fire and come out unharmed and completely unburned except for the ropes that bound them?

who knew that Paul, persecutor of Christians, would be the greatest Apostle of his time?

who knew that a teenager with just a slingshot and a stone would slay a giant and become a king?

who knew that a young girl would find favor from a king and save a nation?

who knew that Peter, after walking with Jesus, would fall away and deny his best friend and still become the first pastor of the Christian church?

Beautiful one, who knew that God in his mercy and love for us would reach down, come to where we're at, reach in and pull us out? Who knew that while we were crying, God was watching? Who knew that when everything seems to be falling apart; when hope is waning and fear is winning, that God's gifts and purpose for our lives would still be irrevocable? (Romans 11:29 NIV). Who knew that God can do more through our struggles and adversities than He will through our successes? Who knew that He doesn't need to ask anyone's approval? When God gets ready to bring you up, no one can ever take you down.

If his plans for us are good as indicated in the Bible to give us a future and hope, then that means everything, everyone, and every place we have ventured is all part of the purpose He has for us.

All things will work together for you and me because we serve an awesome God. No matter what you have endured, are enduring, or what will come, remember that God takes dirt and mud and heals blinded eyes. He sends money in the mouths of fish if He has to. He will feed your family with only a jar full left. He will take the long way around and go through the crowds to search you out. He will find you and He will take you by the hand and lead you to safety.

 He truly does have it under control.....He's God!

It's time to stop the tears of regret and wishing we had it better. We need to understand that we are who we are because of the way we have been taken. We wouldn't be who we are if not for our experiences.  If you find yourself in less than desirable circumstances, hold on. Nothing just happens and, when the time is right, you will arise. You will be changed. You will be different and for the better! You will get up from where you are at and walk on. Take comfort that your steps are ordered by the Lord and not one of them has ever been taken alone.

Beautiful One, who knew?

Comments

[mariagloria]

Thanks so much Shannon for sharing this!!