God Has A Purpose For My Life

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28

On Sunday evening, the college pastor spoke at the church we attend.  He has been battling cancer for 3 years and is on hospice care.  A couple months ago, he prayed that he could live long enough to baptize his little girl {thinking that it would never happen because she most likely wasn’t ready yet}.  On Easter, he did baptize her.  He told the Lord that he was ready to go to Heaven now.  He’s still here, so he says the Lord must have something else planned for him.

His battle with cancer has touched so many lives.  Through all of his suffering and pain, he continues to glorify God.  He said that what he is going through is nothing compared to what Jesus did for us.  If his suffering allows him to share the hope of Jesus with even one person, it is all worth it.  He said he knows there is a reason for life.  He knows that God has a plan.  He shared Romans 8:28 as well as Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

It doesn’t matter what we are going through, God can work through it.  He can use our situations to impact others.  He can use our circumstances to change us.

My life matters, and I have a purpose.  Life doesn’t always go the way we plan.  Things happen along the way – bumps in the road that cause delays, detours, or even u-turns.  God uses those bumps for good.

One of the lowest points in my life was when we had a miscarriage with our first pregnancy.  I was devastated, but God saw fit to put me in one of Beth Moore’s Bible studies on Esther.  It helped me get through such a difficult time and completely strengthened my faith.  I have been able to share my story with others and help them.

We came down to Florida for a reason.  We are returning to Missouri for a reason.  God has been in the midst of all of this.  He has guided our decisions and helped us feel at peace.

 

Today I’m linking up with Kerrie of The Williams’ Post: life on a mission.  She is a woman after God’s own heart.  She is the mission director for her church and does mission work in various places in the US and abroad.  She has the same tug as I do to just pack up and be a missionary in a foreign country.  Although we both realize that we can be missionaries anywhere, and God has called us to be here now and share His word here now.  She’s currently raising funds for a mission trip to India by selling these cute little handmade leather clutches.

 

God has a purpose for all of our lives.  Will you live your life on a mission?

 Also linking up here.