MADE FOR A PURPOSE
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
One of the greatest tactics the enemy uses against our identity in Christ, our trust in what God says is true, is hopelessness. Unforeseen circumstances, loss, past failure, deferred hope—all these things can chip away at our confidence and hope.
Scripture is full of examples of individuals like us who wrestle with deep questions and disappointments from prolonged exposure to trials and loss.
- God's people waited for freedom from Egypt.
- Hannah cried for a child.
- Paul suffered in prison.
The list could go on. The Bible is filled with stories of people who prevailed in desperate situations. How did they keep their faith? They had hope in something greater than their circumstance.
We were made for a purpose. God's word testifies to this reality: our lives are not an accident. It proves to our waiting hearts that we are God’s children and, therefore, have hope and a future. Paul said as much in his letter to the church in Philippi. He writes,
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
In hard moments, our greatest comfort is that the Lord has not abandoned us. The enemy loves to discourage us into believing we are without purpose. This is not true. The heroes of faith believed God was who He said He was, and they were who He said they were. This belief builds hope, propelling us into the future God destined for us before our lives began (Jeremiah 1:5). Trust in His truth and embrace His purpose for you.
APPLICATION: Where do you need a fresh breath of hope? Bring those struggles to the Father today. In our desperation, He plants Truth, identity, and hope to weather any storm.
PRAYER: Father, thank You that I don’t have to create or protect my life alone. You give me purpose and a plan through Your wisdom. Reassure my heart of Your presence today. Teach me to look beyond my circumstances and surrender control to Your trustworthy care. I will follow and trust in Your name alone. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?