Open Heavens June 15, 2008

LIVING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE? Sunday June 15th

MEMORIZE: "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth"(Romans 9:17) READ: Romans 9:15-17 “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth” (Romans 9:17). If you visit the supermarket, you will find an array of assorted products. Each product has been designed to meet a need. The degree to which the need is satisfied however is dependent on several factors. Just as products are manufactured to meet specific needs, so also nobody is created without a purpose. A purpose-driven life is one that sets out to identify and fulfill the purpose of existence. Ignorance of your purpose of existence can make you waste Heaven’s allocated resources. In God’s Kingdom, there is no room for wastage. God allocates resources to individuals according to His mandate. Events, situations, circumstances, tests and trials come to you according to the purpose of your existence. Can you imagine that God created Pharaoh for the purpose of destroying him at the Red Sea, as an example to the Pharaohs of the world? If you refuse to be an honorable vessel, He will make you a vessel for destruction. You shall not end up in destruction in Jesus’ Name. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). As long as you are prepared to fulfill God’s purpose for creating you, all things will work for your good. Even lost or wasted years can be recovered. Previous experiences, knowledge and events will become an advantage. Nothing is lost while in God’s will, in pursuit of God’s purpose. I once asked the Lord why He allowed me to waste 27 years studying Mathematics, when He knew I would eventually become a pastor. He told me it was to enable me preach Mathematically. Apostle Paul was a lawyer and tent maker. His doctorate degree in law was however not meant to defend clients in civil litigations, but to present the Gospel logically, and defend the faith which was once delivered to the saints. Today, with believers in various careers and professions, God expects a contribution from your career or profession. Medicine, Law, Banking and Finance, Architecture, Public Relations, Education, Marketing, etc. all have something to contribute to the Gospel. You are in that profession to make a positive mark and glorify God. To what extent have you contributed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you know why you were created? ACTIONPOINT: List 15 ways you can contribute to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through your career, trade or profession. Prayerfully apply them from today.