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Purpose and Vison

What do you think of when you think of your purpose?


Do you think of it in terms of what you want to do or what makes you happy?  Or, do you think of it in terms of God's purpose for your life.  His vision uniquely created just for you?


Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)*

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Time and time again, I go on a "search" cycle for my vision...what am I to do next...what is wrong about what I am doing that I want to change into something that is "righter" (yes, not a word, but funny just the same). 


This morning I realized that I am looking at this the wrong way.  My vision doesn't matter at all.  It is God's vision that is most important.  Instead of looking for books and articles that will help me explore my future, I am going to let God tell me what he has planned for me. 


Will this be easy?
Will he be loud and tell me exactly what to do?


No and no...


1 Kings 19:11-13New International Version (NIV)*

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”


It will be His gentle whisper that will guide me.  We must work to hear the gentle whisper. 


Yesterday I was dialed in for a call and the sound quality was very poor.  Admittedly, I usually listen in on this call while multi-tasking with other things.  Yesterday I could not.  Yesterday I had to focus my ears specifically on the call so that I could hear every word.  If I turned my head, I missed all that was being said.  The information was important.  If I had been focused on other things, I would have missed some important information and been unable to share in the joy of a co-worker as she told her story of recent success. 


We must work to hear the gentle whisper.


The gentle whisper will tell me God's vision.  My vision doesn't matter.  Only the plans He has for me matter. 


This is not easy, but it is essential to honor my Master and Lord Adonai.


Lord, I pray to hear you through the wind and earthquakes and fires of this world.  I ask that you show me the next step.  The one that I can take to continue on Your path.  I trust You even though I don't understand.  Your Peace will guide me.  It passes all understanding.  Lord I thank You for the ability to focus on Your still small voice and wait expectantly for all of the wonderful things You will do next in my life.  Amen.


(*bible quotes sourced from www.biblegateway.com)

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