What To Expect When It Comes To Your Purpose
“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” - Oprah Winfrey
Mary had a huge purpose. She was to be the virgin mother of Jesus. In this Christmas season there is a lot we can take away from her journey and how her purpose came through.
You will be made aware of your purpose
First things first. You need to made aware right? And Mary made aware! The angel of the Lord gave her a clear message of the purpose God placed on her. But notice it was not a demand. God never demands anything on us. He will show you your purpose and you will have the choice whether or not to choose it. Mary chose well.
“Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” (Luke 1:38 NLT)
2. It will be unexpected
With the unexpected comes fear. When Angel Gabriel came it scared her but he came with reassurance. Our purpose may scare us. We may feel like we don’t have what it takes. Moses gets that. Peter was afraid at first and denied him. Even Paul knew he had weaknesses that God worked through. But the key was knowing that God was made perfect through our weaknesses.
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)
3. It will not be easy or comfortable
That was my mistake. I thought surely because this is what I was made to do that God will make it as smooth as butter. Now don’t refer to the last one and justify your fear in beginning this path. We do live in a broken world that will create trouble but where God guides, He provides. We also have some learning, changing, strengthening and more as we develop more of the fruits of the spirit in our journey. Mary had a journey ahead of her as an engaged virgin now mysteriously pregnant. Nothing about that says easy or comfortable. Especially carrying the future Messiah.
4. God will provide help and support
Mary may have had to deal with telling her fiancé the crazy story of getting pregnant but God explained it all to Joseph in a dream and it all worked out. Joseph didn’t leave her or embarrass her. God gave her a good partner for the journey and guided them with provision all the way till the end. The same goes for you.
5. It will help so many people
For any moment you think your gift or purpose is insignificant understand that it’s not. I know it’s nothing like being the source of bringing Jesus into the world but every person has a part to play. Your gift is assigned to help those around you and possibly so much more.
“God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” (1 Corinthians 12:6 )
6. It will strengthen your faith in God
As we walk in our purpose our dependence on God is vital. He is the one that knows what is best and how it ends. Trust in Him is the first and continuous step. Mary knew this from the beginning and her cousin Elizabeth recognized this.
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”” (Luke 1:45 NLT)
7. The journey will be an amazing story.
The story of Jesus’s birth is a classic. But notice how it includes the part of Mary finding out all the way to his birth. All of these details are part of a good story. Your humble beginnings is just as important as your strong ending. Each moment is adding to the great story you’ll be sharing to encourage another as well.
8. You will come under attack
King Herod is out there waiting to kill your dream. Whether it is someone telling you, you don’t know what you’re doing or stealing your ideas or sabotaging you. The same spirit that is in you trying to produce another beautiful miracle, there’s another trying to stop it from happening.
9. No matter what it will come to pass
All the way till the point where Mary had no place to deliver, a way was still made for her. I am sure it was not ideal. We picture only the best for the son of God. However, we do not fully understand how God thinks for His ways are higher than ours. But the encouragement he gave her when the shepherds gave them a surprise visit with praise and encouragement on how the angels told them everything meant so much to Mary.
“but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (Luke 2:19 NLT)
We need to let go of how we expect God to do things and embrace that He will do it. And do it spectacularly. Hang on and enjoy the ride!
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