“You are not an accident.”

A thought by Chris Hodge from his book, The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise (Kindle Locations 716). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Ok, this is the first thought that I am putting out there for you and me to think about at the beginning of 2018. And if you and I can really accept and believe it then this year will truly be a different year. Is that what you really want?

Chris says, “We can take comfort in knowing that our Father specifically chose this place in all of time and history for our lives to exist.

“You can also rest in the knowledge that within your unique identity, you have a very specific purpose. Not only did God create you to live in this particular season, but he gave you just the right personality, abilities, talents, and gifts to accomplish what you’re called to do. You are not an accident. You are here on purpose for a purpose. And once you know your purpose in life, you will more clearly understand your true identity. Then nothing can stop you. Others may try to apply labels of their own, and some may even seem accurate, but when you live out of your God-given identity, these false labels can’t stick. Your awareness of being the person God made you to be permeates everything you do, every decision you make, and every risk you take. Purpose is your identity in action. It reflects your identity and helps you understand it more clearly.”

I am just now in my morning Bible time finishing in Genesis the amazing story of Joseph. Chris says, “Joseph’s life also demonstrated this same inescapable sense of purpose and identity, even as he lived through some terrible trials. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and jailed for a crime he didn’t commit, Joseph didn’t simply accept whatever new identities his captors pressed on him. He remained faithful and allowed God to use him and his gifts. While Joseph might have been tempted to allow his harsh circumstances to define him and his purpose, instead he kept his faith in God and remained obedient to be the man God created him to be. And, you’ll recall, Joseph’s faithfulness was rewarded as he saved the people of Egypt and Israel during the terrible famine God had revealed to him beforehand (Gen. 37–47).

Chris goes on, “How about you? Have you seen your purpose, your true identity, emerge yet? If you already know your God-given purpose, then I celebrate with you and encourage you to press on. Take comfort during challenging times and trust God to see you through them, knowing you are exactly where he wants you to be, doing what you were made to do. And if you’re still searching for your divine purpose, then keep seeking what God has for you. Don’t give up until he reveals to your heart your special mission in this life. Remember what’s true: ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them’” (Eph. 2:10 ESV).

So, have we seen our purpose, our true identity emerge, yet? And, if we haven’t, are we going to do something about finding it?

“There’s a big difference between building a castle and building a kingdom.”

A thought by Bob Goff from his book, Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People ( p. 41). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Have you ever built a sand castle or maybe a Lego castle? Have you? Bob says, “We actually build castles all the time, out of our jobs and our families and the things we’ve purchased. Sometimes we even make them out of each other. Some of these castles are impressive too. Lots of people come to admire what we’ve built over the course of our lives and tell us what great castles we have. But Jesus told His friends we weren’t supposed to spend our lives building castles. He said He wanted us to build a kingdom, and there’s a big difference between building a castle and building a kingdom.” Bob goes on, “You see, castles have moats to keep creepy people out, but kingdoms have bridges to let everyone in. Castles have dungeons for people who ha...

“When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 57). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. To realize that from God’s perspective life is a test goes a long way in determining how you handle your life. It is important to see that in testing your character is both developed and revealed. Rick goes on to say that “even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.” So there is a God purpose behind each situation in your life. Even the bad ones are there to strengthen you and develop you. You see those bad situations are really good ones because they are there for your good. I start each day with a reminder that God is good. Not every situation that is going to come in my day is good but because G...

“What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 35). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Rick posed this question at the end of his chapter, You Are Not an Accident. In this chapter he deals with the fact that God created you the way you are with a purpose. In other words you are not an accident. I am also reading the Apostle John’s view of Jesus and what He said and did while He was here on earth. In the beginning of Chapter 9 there is a story about a blind man. And the disciples who were with Him asked Him a good question, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind? ” Have you ever asked the same thing about something in you that you don’t like? Like that characteristic is a curse or something. Society has set a standard that is not a standard of God. Remember, He created you and you are not an accident. Je...

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