Promise and Purpose
Two words that bring excitement and fear all at once. As I remember and think of all God has said and continues to say, His promises and purpose over me leads me to Him. Before I was saved, I was very independent, especially when everything seemed to be going good in life. But I have found that I need Him and those around me - friends and family - just as much, if not more, in times of abundance and fulfilled promises than in times I feel alone or in the valley.
God’s promises seem too good to be true - because they are. For years, I have made a covenant with the Lord that I will not sell myself in the name of self promotion or network my way in an effort to add my own strength to God’s to open up doors outside of His grace. Saying that, I also don’t want to push away His favor because I think it is too good or I am under-qualified. Both are true. I am under-qualified for most things He has me stepping into and it is definitely too good, but that is His Nature. That is His kindness. To equip those who say “yes.” Take David. A young boy who was a king among the flocks of sheep before he was ever a king in the palace. He was not perfect. He was overlooked by his own family, and yet he said “yes” to God. Promotion is not the pursuit, but it is the promise. I don’t pursue promotion, but as I pursue Him, it is a result that I will be promoted both in the Kingdom of Heaven and here on earth. Not because I am the hero of life’s story, but because He opens up the doors.
Greatness for greatness sake is not the goal. It will never be, but if David refused to take the throne that God had laid out for him because he thought it was too big a role or wanted to shy away from being seen, not as many people would have been introduced to God. It requires knowing who you are in Him. It requires humility to lay things down if and when He asks and being willing to continually make sure your heart is in the right place. A posture of worship to God and love for Him and others.
There is a purpose for each promise He gives. We do our part to steward what He has promised in our power - if He has given a call to the medical field, go to medical school. If He has given a call to a specific country, learn the language and culture. He makes a way where He has called, but we also have a responsibility to partner with Him. Stepping into His promises is not arrogance, but obedience. It requires a heart that knows that Jesus is the One who is truly being promoted and knowing our need for Him does not ever lessen. Follow His grace. Step into His promises with Him and watch as He equips you more than you could ever believe. His grace takes us into promises. The purpose is for people to know Jesus and experience His love.
