I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Devotion

Years ago I walked through a season where I felt discouraged, lost, and disconnected from God. I didn’t realize I was searching for purpose because I was so consumed by my own pain and loss. It was during this difficult time my sister repeatedly invited me to join her small group that was studying The Purpose Driven Life. I said no several times, but thankfully, she didn’t give up on me. After much persistence from her, I finally agreed.

I still remember where I was sitting when I opened the book and began reading the first sentence: “It’s not about you.”

Wow! God switched on a light in my spirit. I still get emotional thinking about this moment in my life. The words didn’t feel harsh; instead they felt oddly freeing. I had been trying to carry everything on my own, searching for answers inwardly that can only be found in God. My life was not designed to revolve around MY feelings and desires. As Paul wrote in Galatians, I needed to realize it was no longer I who lived, but Christ living in me. Colossians 1:16 reminds us, “... all things have been created through him and for him.” So, if I wanted to stop feeling aimless and hopeless, I was going to need to look to him and not myself.

This truth completely changed my direction and focus and everything in my life began to shift. No longer was I asking myself, “What will make ME happy?” Instead, I began asking, “Lord, what do YOU want from me today?”

I developed a simple habit each morning. Before my feet even touched the carpet I prayed, “God, use me today. Show me what you want me to do. If there is someone you want me to help, equip me to help them.”

You know what? He always did.

As I began to step out in faith, God answered that morning prayer in unexpected ways. One time it was by giving me the opportunity to sit in the hospital with a woman whose son had been hit by a truck. Another time, it meant stepping out of my comfort zone to travel to Trinidad to help with a vacation Bible school. Sometimes it was a simple prompting to make a meal for someone in need or to serve in other ways that seemed small to me but mattered deeply to someone else.

Little by little, God was teaching me that a purpose-filled life is found in surrender, not self-focus. True freedom isn’t found in living for our own desires. It is found in surrendering the spotlight to God’s larger, steadier and far more fulfilling purpose.

Romans 11:36 “For from him, and through him, and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.”

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for loving me so much that you redirected my steps when I felt lost and empty. When I was searching inward for answers, you showed me that true purpose can only be found in you. Thank you for using the people you place in our lives to gently lead us closer to you. Thank you for my sister, who never gave up inviting me, even when I continually said no. Through her persistence, you were pursuing me all along. Continue to shape my heart to seek your will above my own. Open my eyes each day to the people you want me to love, encourage, and serve. Let my life be a reflection of your goodness, and may everything I do point back to you. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Dana Neal
Administrative Assistant, Women’s Ministry

Resources:

Read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Listen to Conversations by Sara Groves.

Serve others by volunteering at Crossings. https://crossings.church/serve

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .