The Power of Purpose

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Daniel 1:8

Daniel’s purpose in abstaining from the king’s provisions was to be obedient to God. This was not a temporary thing with Daniel…. that’s the way he lived his life. Have you identified God’s purpose for your life? For many people, “survival” has become their sole purpose as well as their soul purpose. Get through another week. Pay the bills. Get the kids raised. Pay off the house. I can tell you that God has more for us than that. Jesus said that He came that we might have life and that more abundantly. God has a purpose for your life. Paul said to Timothy: “But you know what I teach, Timothy, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is.” (2 Tim. 3:10)

Regardless of who you are or where you are or, what God’s specific purpose for your life is, I can tell you that God’s Purpose will always have the following components:

• People - It’s never just about us. Jesus told Paul, “I have appeared to you for this purpose to make you a minister and a witness.” God’s Purpose for our life always involves people and God’s influence on them, through us.

• Problems - We can’t do life without encountering problems….and we especially cannot follow God’s Purpose for our life without experiencing conflict or adversity. The truth is every problem can become a platform to display the love, power, and grace of our Lord. According to Romans 8:37…. You’re not a loser…you are an overcomer!

• Price - There is a price to be paid if we want God’s Purpose. Jesus said, “Whoever will come after me let him deny himself and accept his cross and follow me”. It’s not popular nor pleasing…. it’s radical and it’s right.

• Process - Romans 8:28 says, “For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His Purpose.” “Process” is the “All things working together.” The process is not always pleasant…. but it is always necessary. A lot of people want the Purpose without the process. There is value in the process that prepares us to accomplish the Purpose.

• Provisions - God will provide everything we need to pay the price and go through the process in pursuit of His Purpose. Besides strength, we are going to need a lot of wisdom. James said, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.”

• His Presence - One of the last things Jesus said before He ascended to the right hand of the Father was: “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the earth.” We have the promise of His Presence as we purpose to pursue His purpose for our life.

NOTHING…. absolutely nothing compares to following God’s Purpose for our life. If you have been distracted and side-tracked from God……don’t give up or go back. Get up and get on with it…. God will give you power to pursue His Purpose!