Anyways, finding purpose has been on my mind a lot recently. I've had many discussions with my girlfriends about it.....how do we as young women find purpose in what we're doing here and now. Americans are all about efficiency and productivity. We don't do anything if it won't make life easier, more successful, give us something, etc. We have spreadsheets and entire departments of companies that work on finding the very best way to accomplish something. They have a goal in mind and they find the best, fastest, and cheapest way to get it done.
The Lord has shown me this week that this attitude/perspective is not of Him. This efficient, productive way of life is of the world. It is an attitude of personal gain that can turn into a selfish climb up the ladder. Now am I saying that we should stop trying to get a promotion, stop budgeting our money, take our time with things, and stop doing anything that doesn't have a specific purpose? NO. But I am saying that in my own life I have allowed this worldly mindset to affect the way I look at the place God has put me. I harbor doubt and discontent in my heart.
What does trigonometry have to do with being a wife and momma to the orphan?
When will I ever need to know the International Phonetic Alphabet in order to minister to the church?
I am ashamed to admit that I even asked those questions and let the joy slip away from my heart as I wallowed in discouragement and overwhelmedness (my new word). :)
I was delighted to find so much Scripture about finding purpose:
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose in me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
"And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
To say that all of these classes have no purpose right now is not for me to say. That is the way of the world saying, "You're not accomplishing anything right now so look for a better way."
There is NO BETTER WAY than the way of the Lord!! And oh the joy and peace that filled my heart as I realized this again. If there is no other reason besides me learning to trust the Lord, then so be it. It will not be wasted.
The Lord had a purpose for His son when He sent Him to earth....to die for the sins of man. Did sending His son as a baby in a manger, born to a carpenter make a whole lot of sense? Nope. Wouldn't there have been an easier way? Probably. But God's way and purpose is good.
"According to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ephesians 3:11
"But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace." 2 Timothy 1:8-9
That i might fully understand the beauty of His grace, the vastness of His plan, the intricacy of His purposes for every person would transform my life.
So today, I choose to embrace this day, this class, this homework, this GPA. I choose to take it with gratitude, knowing that His purpose is good.
Whatever our God ordains is right. Amen.
1 comment:
Hi Molly,
A common struggle for a student. I once read what I thought was a good response to your common question in a book about teen culture.
The author reminded us that education is not only a valuable gift for the student but for society at large.
He also said that God often uses the "process" of learning to shape and teach us valuable lessons.
XOXO
Your Momma
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