How many of us could say with certainty, this is what I was created for? I am doing what God has called me to do. I sincerely hope that it is most of you, but the reality is that most things I hear are of people trying to figure it out. Now the specifics will always change, we cannot ever determine what our lives will look like over the next few years, but there is a certain specificity that can remain constant.
Who are you?
What is your destiny?
These are some questions that we were asked to figure out recently, as without knowing these foundations, trying to figure out what to do with your life is really quite pointless. Your identity, your destiny. Why are you here, and not there? Why are you alive when you could not be? You didn't have to be born, you did not have to live in this country, yet you are. I am not talking about your decisions here, but rather, that your life was built for meaning. Without any meaning, we are less than human.
My destiny is this; to show the way, the truth and the life. I am a living example of who God is. Some days, i do this very poorly, and yet that is my calling, to show and demonstrate, to love and care, to discipline and transform those around me to become closer and more aware of the God that cares for them. That would call them son and daughter if only they would let Him love them.
I am doing this right now. Every minute of my time is living this life. There is more to it than what I am doing currently, as there always will be, I am discovering that there is an entire world of knowledge and insight that I am only scratching the surface of. Yet right now I am leading a group of 11 guys and girls who came here not knowing what to expect, and not sure even if they wanted what was on offer. Yet to taste and to see the love of God, is intoxicating. When you see that God is good, and that He loves and cares for you more than you can imagine, the decision to follow Him is easy. That is what we do. That is what I do.
If i cannot show people the love of God, and yet demand they follow, I am a fool. After all, most people's perception of God is not a kind one, yet we demand a response, of complete trust and devotion, to a person they do not know?
No wonder we are rejected.
What if we could show people that He loves them? How many of us have been frustrated by children who would not listen or follow when we are trying to help them. When we are trying to clean up their mess they fight against us. That is our feeling. We have a Father who is perfect and desiring to bless, yet people do not know and are rejecting.
These are a few of my recent thoughts. I hope that they have made you think a little, or give you some hope and encouragement.
Be blessed!
Daniel
My friend who I mentioned is Michael Cooke, check out his blog at http://cookiemate.wordpress.com/