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“You are not an accident.”

A thought by Chris Hodge from his book, The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise (Kindle Locations 716). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Ok, this is the first thought that I am putting out there for you and me to think about at the beginning of 2018.  And if you and I can really accept and believe it then this year will truly be a different year.  Is that what you really want?

Chris says, “We can take comfort in knowing that our Father specifically chose this place in all of time and history for our lives to exist.

“You can also rest in the knowledge that within your unique identity, you have a very specific purpose. Not only did God create you to live in this particular season, but he gave you just the right personality, abilities, talents, and gifts to accomplish what you’re called to do. You are not an accident. You are here on purpose for a purpose. And once you know your purpose in life, you will more clearly understand your true identity. Then nothing can stop you. Others may try to apply labels of their own, and some may even seem accurate, but when you live out of your God-given identity, these false labels can’t stick. Your awareness of being the person God made you to be permeates everything you do, every decision you make, and every risk you take. Purpose is your identity in action. It reflects your identity and helps you understand it more clearly.”

I am just now in my morning Bible time finishing in Genesis the amazing story of Joseph.  Chris says, “Joseph’s life also demonstrated this same inescapable sense of purpose and identity, even as he lived through some terrible trials. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and jailed for a crime he didn’t commit, Joseph didn’t simply accept whatever new identities his captors pressed on him. He remained faithful and allowed God to use him and his gifts. While Joseph might have been tempted to allow his harsh circumstances to define him and his purpose, instead he kept his faith in God and remained obedient to be the man God created him to be. And, you’ll recall, Joseph’s faithfulness was rewarded as he saved the people of Egypt and Israel during the terrible famine God had revealed to him beforehand (Gen. 37–47).

Chris goes on, “How about you? Have you seen your purpose, your true identity, emerge yet? If you already know your God-given purpose, then I celebrate with you and encourage you to press on. Take comfort during challenging times and trust God to see you through them, knowing you are exactly where he wants you to be, doing what you were made to do. And if you’re still searching for your divine purpose, then keep seeking what God has for you. Don’t give up until he reveals to your heart your special mission in this life. Remember what’s true: ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them’” (Eph. 2:10 ESV).

So, have we seen our purpose, our true identity emerge, yet?  And, if we haven’t, are we going to do something about finding it? 

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