Remembering You Have A Unique Kingdom Purpose
In last month’s article, I offered my belief that God is leading us all into a season of remembering. Remembering who God truly is, as He is described for us in his Word, not necessarily the way we currently think of Him. To remember what He has done for us, in making salvation possible as a free gift and therefore saving us from the penalty of our sins. To embrace our true identities as God’s beloved sons and daughters and to remember we have a unique kingdom of purpose which no one else can fulfill. In accordance with Revelation 2:5, we are to remember, repent and re-engage with the practices that enable us to restore Jesus to the place of being our first love.
This month I want to expand a little bit on the last item we are called to remember, recognizing we have a unique kingdom purpose. It is a universal human desire to know the purpose for which God created us. But discovering, and realizing, that purpose can often prove to be elusive for many of us. The life story of Joseph, son of Jacob and great-grandson of Abraham, is a fascinating account of God revealing, in a dramatic way, His kingdom plan and purpose for an individual. It begins with God revealing His plan for Joseph’s life in a couple of dreams and then chronicles the journey to its fulfillment. The story is captivating for a couple of reasons but primarily it connects with our longing to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for our own lives. Inherent in every person is the God-given desire to fulfill their destiny, God’s purpose for their lives, and to create a legacy that endures. God speaks to us today, through the inspired words of Scripture, and calls each of us to a similar journey of faith.
The historical account of how God worked in Joseph’s life (Genesis chapters 37-50) also reminds us that we must become people of sufficient faith and character that God is able to fulfill His plans and purposes through us. Most likely, we are not the people we need to be, fully understanding our covenant relationship with God (identity, obedience), so that we can live out the good works He has prepared in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10). We are all about the destination and God is more concerned with the journey.
In addition to studying Genesis 37-50, I would recommend reading Bruce Wilkinson’s book, The Dream Giver to help implement the major teachings that God would have for us. The book begins with a modern-day parable, a story about “Ordinary, a Nobody who leaves the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream.” Ordinary soon discovers that while it is exhilarating to receive a Big Dream from the Dream Giver, realizing that dream requires large doses of faith, courage, perseverance and a willingness to surrender all to the Dream Giver. Using the Exodus account as a backdrop Wilkinson describes the process that God takes each of us through as we pursue our God-given dreams.
The story is a delightfully quick paced review of the journey that one must take if we are to realize God’s plan for our lives, a pursuit that leads to both purpose and fulfillment in life. Much of the story’s appeal comes from the ease in which we can replace Ordinary’s story with our own. Our God-given desire that will not go away, the temptation to doubt and despair of God’s faithfulness in times of trial and the giants (fear, comfort, security) that must be overcome if we are to experience the dream. Finally, there is that act of surrender when we give back to God the dream that He placed within us, trusting Him with the how, when, and maybe if, of the dream’s fulfillment.
The last chapters of the book include many practical tips on discovering God’s big dream for you, how to overcome the obstacles that are sure to arise and avoiding the devastating effect that unbelief has on realizing your dream. This short little book will inspire you to dream once again and give you the tools required to see your dream become reality.
He also (page 70) identifies “a pattern that is repeated throughout the Bible whenever God’s people reach for their Dream and attempt great things for Him. In almost every instance they:
- Become aware of a personal Dream or calling, deciding to pursue it.
- Face fear as they leave a place of comfort.
- Encounter opposition from those around them.
- Endure a season of difficulty that tests their faith.
- Learn the importance of surrender and consecration to God.
- Fight the Giants that stand between them and the fulfillment of their Dream.
- Reach their full potential as they achieve their Dream and bring honor to God.
I believe God desires each of us to experience the joy and satisfaction that comes as a result of knowing our life purpose. In this season where we are remembering for the purpose of repentance and being restored, consider spending some of your devotional time in Genesis 37-50 and see what God stirs in your heart. The Dream Giver book is also an easy read that will put practical steps to your journey of discovery. It will be well worth your investment of time and energy.
Author
Pastor Bruce is the Executive Director of God's Living Stones. He lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife Barb. They have two adult children.
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