3 Powerful Purposes of God’s Calling

By Bruce Witt

God’s plan begins with His “calling” us. The Lord wants every person to have an eternal relationship with Him by accepting the gift of forgiven and salvation from our sins. God wants a love relationship with us. “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

What is a calling?

Calling is an invitation or summons from God. We are called by God, to God, for God. A clear purpose helps us live out our priorities– Christ, the Gospel, and relationships in a world that is continually pulling against us. Let’s look at 3 reasons why His purpose is so powerful for us.

1. Purpose Keeps Us Focused

The power of purpose is similar to the energy of light focused through a magnifying glass. Diffused light has little use, but when its energy is concentrated—as through a magnifying glass—that same light can set fire to paper. Focus its energy even more, as with a laser beam, and it has the power to cut through steel. Likewise, a clear sense of purpose enables you to focus your efforts on what matters most, compelling you to take risks and push forward regardless of the odds or obstacles.

2. Purpose sets our priorities and helps us discern how to choose what is good, better, or best.

One of the great challenges that all people, especially executives, face is discerning the difference between the good, the better, and the best. It has often been said that the true enemy of the best is the good and the better. The option of “good” or “better” takes our attention and resources away from God’s best.

Many people lament that one of the biggest problems of our current day is that people are SO BUSY! We almost worship it. Purpose helps us set priorities by clarifying what is MOST important and when that is clear we can say “NO” and not feel guilty.

3. Purpose Gives Us Perspective

Are you currently struggling with an issue that in the moment seems all consuming? It could be finances, a work issue, marriage, health, or a family/child issue. In these trials we might be asking God, "Where are you?" or "Why is this happening?"

A clearly defined purpose helps us define what is most meaningful and where my hope lies. Do we hope in ourselves for answers and strength, do we hope in the organization to always have our back, or do hope in others to be present and care? A biblical, Godly purpose establishes the foundation of our true hope – with Christ, His power over death and sin as well as the fact He lives in each believer.

The True Hope

This true hope, a biblical hope, is what gives us a new set of eyes to look through. We see from God’s vantage point rather than our own. We see the glass half full rather than half empty.

“God’s ultimate purposes for our lives are often achieved by circumstances that seem to make no ‘apparent’ sense to us.” - Chip Ingram

The Provision of Purpose

As one lives out their purpose there are numerous benefits and provisions that come with this discipline.  This amazing list is truly the abundant life that Jesus describes in John 10:10.

1. Joy and Contentment – 1 Timothy 6:17
2. Hope and motivation – Ephesians 1:18
3. Peace and Security – Philippians 4:6-7
4. Significance and Satisfaction – James 1:2-4
5. Fruit and a Legacy – John 15:5
6. Reward and Recognition – Matthew 6:19-21

Questions to Ask

To help to clarify your purpose, begin by asking yourself these questions - Who am I serving? (this can begin with spouse, family, yet should extend beyond them) What spiritual assets do I possess? What and how do I give?  What is my reason for being and for daily living? Please share your thoughts and insights below too –

BW

Go In-Depth in Developing Your Purpose

What Are You Giving Your Life To? provides a healthy dose of spiritual and practical
guidance on –
 
- Understanding and following God’s personal design and calling for you.
- How to intentionally create Kingdom-focused priorities in life and work.
- The most successful ways to overcome life’s challenges and obstacles.

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