Finding Purpose

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

DEVOTION

At the beginning of each year, I prayerfully consider a word to focus on that will bring continual challenge and encouragement as I maneuver each season the new year brings. When January 1 hit and I was asked which word I was going to focus on this year, I realized I had not thought much about it. Like many of us, 2021 brought on new challenges. It opened the door once again to community, which many of us avoided or felt we were not allowed to have in 2020 due to COVID-19, and for many, it allowed for more time spent around the dinner table as a family. We had more togetherness. Despite the constant revolving door of changes, 2020 and 2021 brought many of us a new sense of purpose.

Anytime I read the passage in Proverbs 19, the word “purpose” captures my attention, for no other reason except the fact that it carries more weight than other words we may read in the Scriptures or say in our day-to-day lives. It carries more weight because it can be a direct reflection of who we are, whether by use of words or by actions. What is my purpose? How do the tasks I do each day bring purpose not just to me but to others? Something I have learned in a deeper way over the last few years is that my purpose can bring value and purpose to those around me. God can and will use you in the same way, too, and he does every day whether you know it or not!

As I’ve looked back at all that has occurred, changed, and evolved, and look forward to the future, one main thing which continues to plague my mind is our purpose here on earth and the purpose of the Church. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is easy to forget we all have a purpose in Christ, that we have been created in him and for his Kingdom. In the same way, this truth can be hard to believe or trust due to what the world and cultures throw our way. This is important, though. Getting aligned in Christ begins the journey of our purpose being unveiled to us, which then leads us to do the next right thing not only for ourselves or the Church as a whole but for our relationship with Christ.

During the months of November and December, I am one of those Hallmark Channel enthusiasts. For me, it’s a channel I turn to while decorating my house, baking, or doing something rather than just sitting there watching the full movie. If you’re not a Hallmark Channel watcher, bear with me! Although Hallmark movies aren’t true or based on a real-life story, one movie I watched has planted a seed in my mind that I won’t forget. I can’t remember the title, although it probably had to do with “Candy Cane Lane,” “Kris Kringle,” “Christmas Tree Farm” or something along those lines. The movie was all about a woman who found a very large, heavy book in her mail one day after she got home from work. When she opened the book, it had names inside based on a person’s character and how naughty or nice they had been that year. In the movie, of course, the book had been delivered to the wrong address. Rather than the North Pole, it went to this woman’s house. As the woman continued working with her coworkers and networking with various individuals, she would return to the heavy book of names and look up various individuals she was in contact with that day. She would look them up to gain clarity for herself.

As I watched this movie, it occurred to me that the way she treated and cared for this book was the same way we are to care for the Bible. At some point in the day, she would open the book and spend time reading about each person. She kept the book private from anyone who walked into her home; it was never out in the open for others to see. In much the same way, that is how we are called to live in Christ—by having a personal relationship with him. The difference between this movie and our relationship with Christ is clear: we should share the love of Christ with others, but we are also to have our own relationship with him before we can share it with those we cross paths with. This book of names had a purpose, and it gave the woman a new sense of purpose as well.

Walking alongside the Lord isn’t always easy. In fact, most of the time it’s pretty hard, but the more aligned you become with Christ, the more you find purpose in and through him. He is always right there waiting for you to acknowledge him. The Lord didn’t promise an easy life, but he did promise when hardship comes, he will be there to lean into and carry us through by his wisdom, love, and grace.

Whether you are a new believer, a seasoned believer, or have never heard of the Lord and you are searching for your purpose here on this earth, know you are not alone and God has you in the palm of his hand. All we are to do is seek him. As you start seeking, you will begin to find your purpose in and through him.

Kristin Grubbs

Congregational Care Associate

kgrubbs@crossings.church

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