Reading 34

Romans 16-1 Cor. 3

I’ve been thinking about “purpose” lately. Specifically, I’ve been wondering about my purpose in this life and God’s kingdom. I know, I’m middle aged and have been a Christian for a long time. I guess I could have figured this out by now. Let’s just say I’m doing some review and evaluation.

Maybe I’ve been thinking about this because of reading about Jesus’ life in the gospels recently. Now there’s someone who knew his purpose! He came to show us who the Father was, announce the coming of the Kingdom of God, die for our sins and come back to life so we can have eternal life.

Then when I read 1 Cor. 1: 17, the apostle Paul caught my attention when he said, “For Christ didn’t send me to baptize but to preach the Good News.” He knew what he was called to and what he wasn’t called to.

Paul is sometimes seen as egotistical. However, if that was true he would likely think he could do everything. And yet we hear him being clear about what he didn’t need to do. He had a huge job in preaching the Good News, could move forward in that and leave other work to other people.

So, I have been pondering that, especially since I often take on too much. I have even wondered if I have at times missed my assigned tasks from God because I’m doing so many other things…that might be better done by others. Sigh…

Then I read Acts 20:24 where Paul says, “But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” I may not be called to full time preaching but aren’t we all called to communicate “God’s wonderful kindness and love?” “Lord, how does that look for me?”

Once again, I’ve been pondering and even asking God some specific questions. Then just today someone told me that some time we had together recently had really been helpful to her walk with God.

Hmmm…sounds like answered prayer to me. Maybe part of my purpose is to keep loving people as the need arises. As usual, God is at work…and I get to join him.

Sue

Reading #34 (audio)