I could probably write an entire book on this topic alone. It stirs me up to think about and to talk about the plans God has for us. I have prayed since my childhood that somehow, through God’s grace and mercy, when my life on this earth is over, I will have fulfilled every part of His plan for me.
One of the most liberating truths I ever learned about my purpose is this: Destiny is not a destination; it is a journey. Although I am a very goal-oriented person and have had the tendency to section off my life by landmarks and accomplishments (e.g., graduation from high school, graduation from college, first permanent job, first raise, etc.), I had to free myself from the idea that my destiny is merely a moment in time waiting to happen. If we live for just one moment or even just one season of life, whether it be a walk across a stage, the business endeavor that succeeds, or even a wedding day, we reduce the value we place on our lives to a mere fraction of what God originally intended for us. We have to come to the place, whether single or married, dating or not dating, where we recognize that destiny is not simply the fulfillment of one of our dreams. Destiny is the road that keeps us aligned with the purpose and plans of God for our lives. There are three tools that God wields to help keep us on that road: promises, dreams, and passion. Let’s talk more about each one of these tools:
Tool 1: Promises.
These are the givens, the things that God guarantees on His end, although they are oftentimes conditional on how we handle our end (e.g., “Honor your father and mother, and you will live long on the earth…”). It is astounding to look at all the promises and inheritances God has stored up for us, His children. Understanding His promises for us is directly linked to understanding where our true value lies.
When we stop moaning about how unfulfilled we are without a spouse and start remembering the promises God has given us, we will gain a greater understanding of who we really are. As a result, we’ll find ourselves maturing spiritually at an accelerated pace.
I urge you to stop evaluating yourself by how many heads you turn as you walk through the mall today; by how many nice compliments or even seductive comments you receive at work; or by how many people have or haven’t asked you out this month (or even this year). This may sound harsh, but I think if you’re reading this, you desire Truth, so I’m going to say it: Get over yourself, whether you have too much pride or too little self-esteem, and get into what God has to say about you! It’s time we lifted our heads from micro-examining ourselves and started seeking out God’s promises for us – God’s Word over us. As we discover His promises for us, we can begin catching God’s dreams for us, and watch how greatly our perspectives start to change!
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV
