Steadfast, Immovable, Abounding

Every single thing God has ever created has a purpose. As John 1:3 says, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” Nothing exists without God and nothing has any greater reason for existing than to bring Him glory. From the tiniest organism in the depths of the sea to the soaring peaks of the tallest mountains, this world and everything in it was made to worship. That includes us—the imperfect human beings who are so perfectly loved. If we deny that we have a purpose, then we are accusing the Creator of leaving a flaw in His design.

To fulfill this purpose, God enables us with all the necessary tools. Our Father gives good gifts, but it is up to us to use them. I love what Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:20-23, “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” We are called to be prepared for every good work. When we commit our hearts, our minds, our strengths, our weaknesses, our passions, our goals, our duties, our victories, our failures, and our very selves to becoming more like Christ, He will equip us for the personal mission He has so intricately designed.

It’s so important that we always recognize our strengths and talents as entirely God-given and seek to honor Him with them all. Sometimes it is tempting to imagine we somehow deserve the gifts that fill our lives (and yes, I do believe God rewards perseverance and is pleased when we show dedication to the tasks before us). But we must remember, we are only capable of anything because God made us so. It is therefore our duty to return to Him the fruit of our labor—and that means so much more than giving our ten percent to the church. Jesus said in Luke 12:48, “‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.’” Has He given you a spirit of compassion? Then use it to uplift the brokenhearted. Has He blessed you with the ability to teach? Then guide others towards a closer walk with Him. No matter what, God wants you to develop into someone who is useful to His service. But you can’t find out what your special gift is if you’re not seeking the Giver.

The hardest part is that sometimes, God tells us to do things for which we feel completely unqualified and unprepared. In Exodus 4, God commands Moses to journey to Egypt and speak before Pharaoh on behalf of the enslaved Hebrew population. In verse 10, Moses says, “‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’” I have to admit, I definitely sympathize with Moses at this moment. He doesn’t understand why God would ever give him such a command; he believes there must be someone better suited for such an overwhelming task. But like all of us, Moses had to be taught something: if God has chosen you, there is no one better for the job. If we were forced to depend on our own qualifications, Moses would never have led God’s people out of Egypt. David would never have killed a giant. Mary would never have been chosen as Jesus’ mother. Peter would never have left his boat. And I would never have written this blog. God uses the unqualified to bring glory to Himself.

Surrounding all of this is a humbling yet compelling truth: God has never and will never need us to work for Him. Isaiah 40:13-14 says, “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge and informed Him of the way of understanding?” Just think: God didn’t have to create you. But He chose to anyway. How could we not use the gifts He has given us to serve Him in every single aspect of our lives? Paul writes, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1). Remember what I said earlier: no creation of God is purposeless. He determines our worth and our life’s mission. Don’t get so caught up in being unqualified that you miss the amazing things your Father has planned for you. Always remember the promise of Romans 11:29: “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”