Redeemed for Purpose

Distractions abound in our society, and if we are not careful with the tools and resources we have fashioned to make our lives easier they can quickly morph into weapons of our own destruction. 

Little foxes destroy the vine (Song of Songs 2:15). Don’t ever underestimate the enemy, or the power we have as children of the Most High God. Jesus Christ gave us the keys to the kingdom and we can possess what belongs to us if we are paying attention!

Like the steering wheel of a vehicle, our lives require small yet consistent corrections to ensure we do not crash. Even if we are driving on a straight path, the steering wheel can veer off easily if left unattended.

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing” - Steven Covey

Thankfully, we have the Word of GOD and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to show us the way and light up the path. If we are willing and obedient, we are assured to eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).This is a powerful statement!

We can eat the good of the land even when others do not because we are willing and obedient. This promise of provision and security is not dependent upon the season, the circumstances going on around us, or the turmoil that is commonplace in society. It is not even contingent upon our paychecks or money in our savings account.

We are given the formula to living a victorious life but it will require some effort on our part. FOCUS.

We are not promised an easy life, on the contrary, GOD’s people are famous for the difficult lives we have, but we are TRIUMPHANT - always! Paul said it best in his letter to the Romans chapter 8 verses 36-38 (NIV):

“As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a] 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We can decide to be intentional and stay focused on the purpose GOD has given to us and filter out everything harmful or fruitless. The Holy Spirit will alert us when we are going off track or flirting with danger (sin).

This same Holy Spirit will help us remove any and everything that is blocking our relationship with GOD. Mankind was created by GOD for fellowship and family and that has not changed. GOD will not change so if we are to be in fellowship with Him we have to make Him our number one priority. 

When we do this, we are assured of peace, provision, protection, and every good thing available to the children of GOD for "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). 

We can be like Paul who knew without any question that He was doing exactly what He was called to do and GOD would not leave, abandon, or reject Him. 

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3).”

Though we live in an idolatrous society that rejects and rebels against our Creator, we can be the Light that Jesus spoke of in the Gospel of Matthew, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).

We must be like Abraham who separated himself so he could walk with GOD. We can learn from King David who sinned greatly but repented and continued to seek the Lord in prayer and fasting. We can also look at the example of Noah who built the Ark for all to see so none could say they were not warned of the coming judgment of GOD. 

If we allow GOD to be the center, we will find that everything else finds its place and we can have peace. Peace that passes all understanding. Peace that brings joy when circumstances are not ideal. Peace in the midst of uncertainty. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and in Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

One final word of encouragement from the Apostle Paul:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

If you have not made the decision to make the Lord Jesus Christ your Savior, you can do that right now!