Resting In God's PeacePrøve

God’s Peace for Direction and Purpose

Hope and purpose go hand in hand. As Jamie discovered that God had a purpose for her life, she saw beyond the statistics that pointed to a future where she succumbs to the ravages of AD. Her life experiences as a nurse, as a caregiver to her father who suffered from AD, her marketing and sales experience, her own genetic risk of developing AD all set the stage for Jamie to step into her purpose. Jamie started with local opportunities to support the hospital in her area. From here, opportunities started pouring in as she connected with people, used her skills, and made herself available to serve.

Jamie’s story commanded attention; it carried weight because she was a living example of the need for AD research into treatments and a cure. She is uniquely gifted for the role God brought for her to be an advocate for funding AD research, be a participant in research studies, and create support groups for caregivers and patients. Her impact for the cause of AD research is immeasurable, and participating in these ways has given Jamie hope. Her despair has turned into joy and she has real reasons to be positive for the future. Being involved has allowed her to stay informed about the lastest research, and it has allowed her to let go of unnecessary worry. 

A person with purpose is proactive and engaged. A person with an understanding of God’s purpose in his or her life has peace. This peace allows them to live a life of balance where they are actively engaged, but not obsessed with their circumstances. This peace gives that person a perspective on life that sees the possibilities, not the roadblocks. It develops a heart that is open to the kindness of others who show warmth and support when he or she is struggling. A heart at peace is not embarassed when someone they love with AD displays difficult behaviors, but shares their need and allows others opportunities to demonstrate compassion.

The Holy Spirit searches our hearts and seeks to accomplish God’s purpose through us. He doesn’t waste anything in the life of those who belong to Him, but works to use everything to fulfull His purpose for us! (See Romans 8:27–28.) Seek God and He will help you find the purpose He has uniquely prepared you for. Trust in the good He wants to bring from your circumstances and know the peace that only He can give.

Respond

What skills and abilities has God given you to use for some purpose? 

What choices do you have in seeking God’s purpose in your circumstances? How do you want to respond to those choices?

How does the fact that God actively searches your heart, knows you and your struggles, and wants to help you navigate through them help you experience peace? Who can help you understand God’s love for you more deeply?