The word purpose can be defined as ‘a certain path’. It answers the question ‘why’.
It is sometimes what is not so easily seen that can be the most telling. In the case of Nehemiah, it was the fact that there were a total of four months (from November {Kislev} to March {Nissan}) between the time that he had heard the news of the Israelite people and the time when he made his application to the king for leave to go to Jerusalem. What was he thinking during that time? He had prayed and fasted, expecting a timely response.
After Nehemiah prayed for God’s intervention regarding his countrymen, he did not sit still and say, “Let God do His work. I have done all I can do.”1 He was busy with his thoughts and consumed by what should be done. Why had his passion and sorrow not waned in the space of such a long period of time? It was because Nehemiah had been given a purpose.
Nehemiah, whose name means ‘comfort of Jehovah’, was miserable not only because of his concern for his people, but also because he had found his purpose in life. He was like a runner, ready to run the race but not being able to cross the starting line. Once he had received the news, his purpose was certain. To not respond would have been to ignore God’s call in his life.
A purpose is a call to leadership. This purpose has been borne out of life’s circumstances that God has used for His ultimate plan. He plants seeds and nurtures them for the harvest, then gathers us to himself so that we will choose to yield to his direction and REAP what He has sewn. Our purpose is a higher calling, a path that is fraught with challenges but where blessings abound. To REAP means to:
R espond to His call
E xpect His intercession
A ct on His promises
P assionately proclaim His victory
Scripture Memory of the Day: The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)
2013©Kent Robson
Soles of Faith #7
Soles of Faith #7
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