My Determined Purpose

Avis Sparks
2 days ago
4 min read

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

- Philippians 3:10-11(AMPC)

Many of us struggle or have struggled with trying to figure out our purpose on this earth. It may have plagued us in our youth, or something we did not think about until adulthood, or maybe we did not really consider what it was until we received the works of Christ on the cross and declared Him Lord of our lives.

During Jesus’ time on earth, He was always working to prepare people for purpose. Some may not see it that way; however, even when people came to Jesus for physical healing and provision, He always spoke of the salvation of the soul. However, is soul salvation our purpose? “No.” It is the provision God has given so that we can again walk in purpose like Adam and Eve initially did. Jesus wanted people to have full access to God and know Him as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:12).

How we get sidetracked

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

- Luke 10:38-42

Martha's story is a good example of how we can get sidetracked. We start by thinking about spending time with Jesus, then responsibility and obligation, and the To-Do List comes, and we forget that He's even there. We've become focused on the work that is in front of us. Rather than the relationship that we are initially hungry to build with the Lord. God has a wonderful plan for us; however, He wants us to do it in a relationship with Him. And it's Jesus who is highlighted for Martha; is it Mary who chose the better thing to first focus on the relationship, because the relationship with Him would not be taken away. And then the works could follow. We may all know this on some level, but just as in Martha's life, the busyness, expectations, and pressures of the world can cause us to lose focus on our determined purpose to know Him deeply and intimately.

Knowing God

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

- Proverbs 8:17

God does not make knowing Him difficult. He says look earnestly, and you will find Me. When we receive the revelation of the importance and availability of a relationship with God, we will begin to contend against those things that would keep us from looking earnestly. Sometimes this does not come easily because of our previous ways of thinking and operating. Like Martha, we have to be made aware that our eyes and goals are not set on the proper things. And then we must yield our way of thinking and allow it to be renewed over time through prayer, His word, and service to Him. So that we may know and understand Him and His will for our lives. (Romans 12:2). Through knowing Him and understanding His world, our lives are transformed (1 John 3:6)

Stay on Fire

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

-Revelations 3:15

God wants us not to be lukewarm about our determined purpose, but to be hot, actively pursuing and seeking (Luke 12:49). He wants us to look to Him to receive what we need and to allow Him into our lives and spaces to sit, eat, and do life with Him (Revelation 3:14-22).

We should regain a zeal for God, not in ignorance, going after feelings and inclinations, but pursuing God with a passion that is fed through knowledge and wisdom from His Word and Spirit. (Romans 10:1-3, Galatians 4:18). No matter how much older our physical bodies get or how tired, worn out, or overwhelmed we may feel, we must remember that God is present and will renew our spirits every day (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Maintaining Our Pursuit of God

To have a heart and life, the continuously pursue God, we must

-Have a fear of God, not just as Father and Savior, but of Creator and Lord (Proverbs 9:10, 19:23, and 14:26-27)

-Maintain a pure heart. What are your motives, intentions, and desires? If they are not right, ask God to create in you a clean one. (2 Corinthians 7:11, Matthew 5:8, and Psalm 51:10)

-Establish practices and habits that invite God’s presence and involvement. Dedicated time for devotion, prayer, and worship (Jeremiah 29:13, Deuteronomy 4:29)