Your Purpose



Sunday morning I sat next to my husband in “our” seats at Real Life Church anticipating another powerful and relevant sermon by Pastor Steve Murray. While my husband propped his Bible open, I sat with hands in my lap, waiting to soak in the message. But that day was different. I was suddenly scrambling for paper and pen to take notes.

You may have heard others explain that our purpose on earth is to love and serve God. Yeah … okay. That’s true, but I don’t believe it’s that simple. I’ve loved and strived to serve God since I was a young child. Yet I ached inside for years, wanting to make a difference, wanting to find my purpose, yearning to figure it out.

One thing I’ve learned is that our purpose can change, depending on the seasons of our lives. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (NIV).


“Sometimes God wants to shift our purpose or evolve our purpose or move our purpose forward or give us new purpose and we can’t see it.
“Some of us can’t see that the things in our lives, the common everyday gifts and talents, the experiences we’ve had, the advancements and opportunities we’ve had in life and the setbacks and the tragedies and loses that we’ve experienced in life—all of it works together to form a purpose in your life. And that purpose is being formed by God even when it looks like you have no purpose. Even when you feel like you’ve lost purpose or lost direction, He will make the path straight. He will bring water into wastelands. He will bring something out of his heart and his love for you that will replenish or refresh you.”  ~ Pastor Steve Murray

Wow! That’s exciting! Doesn’t that give you hope?

With his permission, the following is also taken from Pastor Steve’s message. 


Purpose

1. Uses talents and skills
You’ll be fulfilled when you use your own and not trying to be someone else. Don’t compare yourself to others.

2. Is seasonal
Don’t move into a new season and try to keep the same purpose. You’ll miss out on what God has for you today.

3. Uses your story
Don’t hide it. Use your story, even the hard times. We hide because our story is embarrassing or painful. Don’t preach while still wounded. Tell your story after you’re healed.

4. Uses passions and callings
Be aware of the things that get you excited to get up in the morning.



Benefits of Purpose

1. Gives life meaning and fulfillment
This is pretty self-explanatory. Who doesn't want to feel fulfilled?

2. Contributes back and redeems your time 
It’s okay to spend time doing things you personally enjoy, but don’t spend all of your time on things that don’t benefit anyone else.

3. Changes the world
Purpose is constructive. It helps to make something better.



To Find Purpose

1. Look straight ahead
What’s right in front of you? Don’t always look for the next big thing. Maybe you don’t have what you want. But what if you were to look at what you have and allow God to use it for your community? For your world?”

2. Allow the Lord to work it out
Trust in his timing and methods.

3. Seek till you find
Don’t give up!



The points he shared make sense. How have they applied to you in the past? How do they fit into your life right now? In the coming weeks, I’ll share some of my own thoughts and personal experiences—and I hope you join in conversation here and share yours too!


In the meantime, if you’d like to hear Pastor Steve's entire message on finding your purpose, you can listen to it here: Your Purpose


Dawn




 About Pastor Steve Murray …

Pastors Steve and Tina have been in ministry for almost 30 years. While dating just after high school, Steve was invited to church by one of his shipyard coworkers. There he met Jesus, and shortly after Tina did as well. Their lives were forever changed and haven't been the same since. They soon after married in 1981. Feeling the call to serve the Church and young people, they began to serve as youth pastors at their first home church, Christian Faith Center, where they stayed for 18 years. In 1997, they felt the call to pioneer a church in Seattle's outer suburbs. Real Life Church, now located in Covington, WA, has grown to a be a healthy church that has a large impact both locally and globally. Steve and Tina have a love for people and their community, and those are values that RLC holds true to this day. Steve and Tina have three boys, Taylor, Shelby and Cameron. They were all raised to love the Lord and the house of God—something evident to this day. Steve loves to mountain bike and create art, and Tina enjoys going to UW Huskies games and interior design.

To learn more about RLC or contact Pastor Steve:
Email: steve@reallifechurch.com
Twitter:  twitter.com/smurr





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