Purpose and Perspective

If someone were to ask you, “What is your life’s purpose”, how would you respond? Can you articulate your core values and what your life is about? Make no mistake…your life will be about something. And, to the end that you get a grip on that, it will affect the way you see everything and your ability to find joy.

I spoke yesterday on that topic and looked in Philippians at the connection between joy, hardship/suffering and purpose. I thought G-d was exhibiting his sense of humor when I realized that, once again, I would be talking on the topic of mission and purpose. I love the topic a little too much, but really…how much can these people listen to me talk about this? But the connection between Paul’s purpose and his perspective on his life was just too great to not share!

Paul’s life was ultimately about one thing….and everything else served that purpose. Because of his clarity, he could endure all manner of crappy circumstances and be joyful. His purpose caused him to have godly perspective and, in the end, all that mattered was that G-d had his way! When we aren’t joyful I think it is because we have lost touch with what our life is about. We get so focused on the minutiae and the minute by minute without looking at the big picture and remembering there is a master architect…and it is his job to make sense of things. Or we don’t really believe that he is in it with us, so we are overcome with fear and doubt

Foundationally our purpose is going to have something to do with the story…the redeeming of humanity back to the Father. I want us to be so convinced of our purpose that we walk into every situation knowing we are “sent ones”. Sent to “shine as stars in the universe” and sent to “hold out the word of life” to people who need it. Oh my, if we really believed that was true, it certainly might bring some perspective into the difficulties of life.

I must admit though…right at this moment….at 6:45am on Monday morning…I don’t feel “sent”. I am struggling with some personal issues and, frankly whining a bit to G-d. So, looking around the coffee shop, I have no clue of what G-d is doing with all these people, and I am not sure I care.

But that’s ok…I know it will pass.

I believe that what I spoke yesterday is true and even when I feel at my worst, most selfish self, G-d always breaks in. Because, fundamentally, it is his deal…its all up to G-d!

“Are you struggling to find joy or to rejoice in what is on your plate? I am confident that he will complete the work he began in you….No matter what the circumstances, the trials, failures or hardships you have had or are continuing to endure...I am confident that G-d is doing an amazing work in you and will complete that work. He won't leave you hanging...he won't leave you confused...he won't leave you disappointed...he is faithful to the end! (Beth's paraphrase of Phil 1:6)

How is that for perspective?

So, as G-d always does, he reminds me of my purpose. I am sent in the moments of my life to help people connect to God…even when I don’t feel like it, and even when I would rather wallow in my own stuff.

Remembering this causes my perspective to change and then the questions change. Instead if whining, “Why am I experiencing this?”,  “When will this end”, or  “Why, G-d?,  I can ask, “What pain is this person in?” and “How does she/he need to encounter G-d?”. Not only do I then see people differently, I can press through fatigue, frustration and inconvenience.

And at the end of the day…I am glad!

Check out the following to get an amazing glimpse of the story!

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