Perfect Purpose

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed. saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.  And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.  Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.  The he said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.

Luke 22:39-46 NIV

     The saddest sight in life is a purposeless unfilled existence. Life is so much more than food, clothing, and entertainment. I am learning daily that the Lord has a purpose for all of us and His purpose is perfect. Just as Jesus knew His purpose, we also need to know that we were created with and for a purpose.

The reason Jesus came into the world was to give His life as a payment for the sins of mankind.  According to Mark 10:45 (NIV):

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus knew His purpose was to serve as God’s payment for man’s sin.  He knew His purpose came with a price, a price of sorrow, agony, and yes, even the price of death. Knowing this still did not derail, nor divert Him from His intended course, rather, He cried out to the One who could and would assist Him. In fact, verse 43 says,

“an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.”

What a comforting thought. He was strengthened so that His purpose could be fulfilled.

You and I were made for a purpose. In fact, we need purpose in our lives. It is purpose that keeps us from aimlessly going through life. Purpose gives you and I sense of direction. A clearly defined purpose helps us psychologically and socially.

There are some temptations we would avoid if we pursued God’s purpose for our lives. Purpose helps us focus on what’s important and question what is not. One thing is clear, purpose is to be fulfilled on Earth, during our lifetimes. 

If you need to know what your purpose is or to clarify your purpose, we must go to the Creator who made all things and knows everything. We need to seek the Father in prayer as Jesus did in the Garden when the fulfillment of His purpose had come. We must keep knocking, keep asking, keep seeking until His will for our lives are clear, that is what Jesus did and that is also where the disciples failed.

Jesus prayed to the Father, to let this cup pass, but He did not want His will to be done, but the Father’s will to be accomplished. That is my aspiration, to live a purposeful life, like my Jesus. Oh, how I thank Him for being patient and loving enough to continually work with me.  Dr. Myles Munroe said, “The bible is the manual.  And he says one should know the bible to understand the full purpose of the self.”

If you are struggling with knowing God’s purpose, here are my suggestions… First, be intentional about seeking Him in prayer, and secondly study His word. You will learn that God will renew your mind and open your eyes to His will for your life (Romans 12:1-2). Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the specific plan You have for us.  Grant us the ability to hear Your voice and the courage to follow where You lead.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.