Living Changed: PurposeSample

Straight Paths

Living out our purpose means living in surrender to God. When we surrender to His will, it doesn’t mean that we’re supposed to sit back and do nothing. It means we continually seek Him as we move forward. The Bible promises us that He will make our paths straight, but for Him to direct our steps, we have to keep taking them.

Years ago, God gave me the vision and desire to start a ministry that would help women of all ages learn how to firmly root their identity in Christ. At the time, I had no idea how to execute a dream that big. Of course, I understood it wouldn’t happen overnight, but I didn’t even know where to start! We would need a location, a skilled team, financing, signed contracts, and legal consulting, just to name a few. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I decided to seize the opportunities God placed in my path and trust Him with the outcome. After a few years, we held our first retreat. I know it wouldn’t have happened without my obedience to take that first step and my surrender to His will every step of the way.

It pleases God when we seek Him in our decision making. Even when I’ve made a wrong turn, I’ve seen Him turn my path and bring me back to where He wants me. There have been times when it was clear to me that He made a way, and times He closed a door. I believe that He is working it all out because He knows my heart is to serve Him. If we acknowledge Him in every moment, surrender our future, and try to make decisions that honor Him, His purpose for our lives will become clear.

Even though you might not be sure of the final destination, ask yourself what step you feel God is leading you to take right now. If you’re good with kids, you might try serving in your kids' ministry at church. If you’re good at organizing, maybe you’d enjoy helping your local clothes closet take in new items and keep things orderly. If you can’t yet discern where God is leading you, start inviting people to church. As Christ followers, we’re all called to bring more people with us into eternity.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others” (TPT). In other words, just start putting your talents to good use and pouring yourself out in service of His Kingdom. Taking an uncertain step in honor of God, is better than doing nothing. Don’t let the fear of making the wrong step keep you from moving forward. He is trustworthy to create something extraordinary from your offering. 

God, thank you for including me in your master plan. I know you have a vision for my life, and I trust you to direct my steps toward the purpose you planned for me. Help me continue to process what I’ve started through this plan. Help me to see myself through your lens of truth. Show me what I’m passionate about, what I’m good at, what I’ve overcome, where you’re leading me, and how the sum of those pieces uniquely qualify me to do your work. Continue refining me so I’m prepared to serve in the role you’ve carved out for me. All I want to do is to honor you with my whole life. Guide me and make my path straight. In Jesus’ most powerful and precious name, amen. 

We pray God used this plan to minister to your heart.
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