Monday, March 26, 2012

Dream Big - Purpose

"Where my gifts and abilities meet the world's needs, that's where God 
wants me to be." Albert Schweitzer

I remember the inevitable moment - the moment we all face at one time or another. The moment when I felt pointless.

Then came the inevitable question - the question we must all face. The fears and traits we must evaluate. "What breaks your heart and baffles your mind?"

I was told the question would haunt me. I was told to give it thought. I couldn't have known, didn't know that the question would do just that. Not only was I forced to dig deep to answer this question, but I found the answer to my perceived "pointless-ness."

I found purpose.

I am willing to bet you have asked one of these questions. Maybe you ask them daily: "What's the point? Why am I here? What am I supposed to do?"

Three years ago, I began asking these questions. I wrestled and doubted. I attempted to control. You know what they say about the best laid plans? They fall short in the hands of a BIG God. In fact, I fell flat on my face and then wondered why God didn't do things the way I planned.

Then, came that moment. The moment that comes after feelings of futility. The "aha" moment of clarity. I surrendered. I identified what breaks my heart and baffles my mind.

And, in that moment, I committed to do something about it.

Call me idealistic. Call me crazy. Call me an over-achiever. Call me what you like...but here's the deal - I truly believe we are created for a purpose. Genesis 1:27, says, "So, God created man in His own image." I don't know about you, but our purpose, our intended design is wrapped up in that statement. We were created to be the visible image of an invisible God. An image-bearer. How are you upholding that image?

Not only that, but I truly believe God wired us with specific talents, interests, abilities, passions, etc. so that His name is made more famous. Are we using them well? Have we even identified them? Purpose comes from understanding the One we were created to emulate and then understanding how he created us uniquely.

So, how has God wired you? What breaks you heart and baffles your mind? Identify that and then change the world! If  we truly act according to the purpose God has given us, we can make a greater impact than we can see or understand. That's at the heart of my big dreams.

Next time, instead of asking, "What's the point?", ask "God, what would you have me do?" The first is self-focused. The second is sold out submission.

Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

How will you be defined? What's your purpose? Leave me a comment below! I would love to hear from you!

"You were born an original. Don't die a copy."


2 comments:

  1. Wow, great, post. I love that quote, I will forever think of you whenever I hear it. Love the new blog lay out! Always read it in google reader so hadn't seen it yet!

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  2. Kariss,
    Thanks for reminding us there is a purpose for each of us being here. God has a unique plan for all of us. During a talk at the Writing for the Soul Conference a few years ago, McNair Wilson said something that still resonates in my heart: "If you don't do you, God's plan for creation goes unfinished." Our purpose is for us to do us as God intended and your questions take us right to the heart of that.

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