21 In Twenty-One Devotional

I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalm 57:2

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
 but one who has insight draws them out.
Proverbs 20:5

28 And we know that in all things God works for
the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Hello Church! I hope you are having a great third day of your fast. Right now, you are still in the "I miss what I am fasting from" phase. I hope this has been a time for you to lean on God and dig into what he is saying to you right now. Fasting is such an opportune time to really hear God and get away from the noise we surround ourselves with in our regular daily lives.

Today I want to talk about purpose. How many times do we ask ourselves, "What is my purpose?"
I spent years trying to find it in the world. I've always known there was something more for me, but for years I felt "stuck", and just wandering around. I didn't have any fulfillment, joy, and I just worked everyday and came home and zoned out. I had no passion in life. Once I gave my life to Jesus, that started to change. As you just read in Proverbs, all of God's purposes are deep within our hearts, and through the Lord's understanding in us, that makes His will and desires manifest here on earth. We are created for something special. All of us are unique and God has a plan for us as individuals.

And let's be honest. Even after we give our lives to Jesus, we still get stuck. I still get stuck. There are things that hold us back from pursuing our purpose. What gets in the way? Sometimes it's sin. If we are living and hiding in some kind of sin, that will derail our purpose. It may be your job. You clock in and out everyday waiting on weekend. Is it time to do something more fulfilling? I worked several jobs in my life before God told me to quit my job and go into ministry full time. That was a big step for me. I had to quit thinking about a big income and go make a big impact.

To find his purpose in us, we have to pray more, get in the word more, find our passion, and get around people that can go on that journey with us. Take this time in your fast and do just that. Pray, read your bible, and find some people that can add to your life, not take away.  

One last thing, as you read the verses above, there is a word that is key. It's the word "His". Our true purpose in life is "His" purpose. We aren't searching for "our" purpose in life, we are searching for His purpose to be done through us. That is where true joy, fulfillment, and passion can be found. I hope during this fast that God either shows you or helps you go further into His purpose for you!

Prayer: Lord, help me overcome anything in my way to fulfilling your purpose in my life. Clear my mind, help me see things you are wanting me to see that are holding me back. Open and close doors that will bring me closer to you and the purpose you made me for. Amen.

Don't Stop There:  As you are fasting, praying, and reading the bible today, think about what you are passionate about. Is there something that you see in the world that you want to see change? Is God asking you to make a change in your job? Are you ready to get uncomfortable to pursue that purpose?

Love you guys,
Pastor Josh