Several years ago, I had breakfast with a good friend on New Year’s Day. While we were eating, she asked if I had set any goals for the new year. Typically, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I sat back, looked at the ceiling, puckered my lips, and proclaimed, “No, not really, life is good.”
My friend proceeded to explain her philosophy regarding goal setting. I shook my head in agreement – as my thoughts drifted elsewhere. As we continued to talk, something began to well up inside of me – as if I was being egged-on (from the inside) – to make some sort of profound declaration.
So, there I was… eating, talking, and laughing with my friend, but something was churning inside of me, clamoring for attention. I felt like I was being called to do something special, something significant, something that may even be beyond me.
Suddenly, I blurted out, “I have a goal. I’m going to write a book”. “What” she exclaimed. She looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights and then, she said, “I’ve seen you agonize over what you should write in a birthday card for one of the girls.” I countered, “I know it’s crazy, but that’s my goal.”
Fast forward several years. Today, my book Rediscovering the Divine – Seeing God in a Whole New Way can be purchased from nearly 40,000 on-line and bricks and mortar retail establishments worldwide and my life is on a trajectory that I never even imagined or dreamed about.
Look to the Scriptures to Understand Divine Purpose
In the Scriptures, God demonstrates His divine purpose time and time again. So, what’s divine purpose anyways? Simply put, it’s God’s plan for His kingdom. He’s been revealing His plan to humanity for quite some time now.
Take Abraham, for example. God told Abraham he would have a son named Isaac, but Abraham was focused on his son Ishmael. God proclaimed that Abraham’s wife Sarah would be the mother of nations, that kings would come from her, and that Isaac would carry out His covenant. How did Abraham respond? He laughed. He just couldn’t get his arms around the plan. Then, he asked God to change the plan – wishing that Ishmael would receive God’s blessing instead! Abraham didn’t know what God was planning to do. He chose to focus his attention on Ishmael – not the promise of a Jewish people, not the promise of Jewish kingdoms, and certainly not the promise of a King of Kings.
And then, there’s Moses. Four hundred years before Moses was born, God proclaimed that the decedents of Abraham would be enslaved. God also declared that He would provide a deliverer. From a baby in a basket floating down a river to being raised by Pharaoh, God was involved in the details of Moses’ life. When Moses was 80 years old, God appeared to him in a burning bush and instructed him to go and free His people. Do you think Moses had any idea what God had in store for him?
God’s Plans Exceed Our Imagination
In the case of Abraham and Moses, God had grand plans that exceeded even the wildest of imaginations. It’s even more amazing that we have a standing invitation to participate in what God is doing today.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11 (NIV).
What plans does God have for you and your life?
Reflection…
Is there a desire that’s churning inside of you, clamoring for your attention?
Are you being called to do something special or significant (or perhaps, something that may even be beyond you)?
If so, what is it (and what are you going to do)?
If you would like to learn more about God’s divine purpose, check out my book Rediscovering the Divine: Seeing God in a Whole New Way.
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