(2 Tim.1:9)
This, to me, is one of the most important scriptures in the Bible as far as understanding your calling. God has saved you and called you. That means, if you are born again, you are called. You cannot stand before Jesus one day and say, “I was never called.” He saved you and called you, according to His own purpose and grace.
You are not here by accident. You have a destiny in God to fulfill, and you must find out your purpose by seeking God. Then, you become the deciding factor in fulfilling that purpose.
It was the God-ordained, God-destined time for the children of Israel to go into the Promised Land when God took them there from Egypt. However, because of doubt and unbelief, they missed their purpose in life.
For forty years, the Israelites walked in circles in the wilderness until all of the males older than twenty had died. People with no purpose tend to walk in circles, blaming their failures on God or someone else. They walk until they dig holes for themselves. Then, many times, they die full of bitterness, mad at other people and God.
Joshua and Caleb, the only two men of that generation who lived to see the Promised Land, were of a different spirit. They knew they had a purpose and a call on their lives and that by faith in God they could possess the land.
It is sad that Joshua and Caleb had to wait forty years to take what rightfully belonged to them. They could have been enjoying their destiny, but they had to wait because of the whining and complaining of others.
Our text verse says that God’s purpose and grace were given to us in Christ before the world ever began. God knew who you were before you were born. Before He ever said, “Light be,” He knew you in His omnipotent mind. Never doubt that He has a purpose for you. You were born into this generation at this particular time for a reason. Once you know that reason, follow the example of Joshua and Caleb and go forth to possess the land God has for you.
- Are there any things in your life that would hinder you from possessing your God-ordained destiny? If so, what are they?
- Are you willing to make any necessary changes so that you can possess the land God has for you?
- What can you do today as an act of faith in what God has called you to do?
- A good word to put into practice: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14,15).
Father God, I am thankful that my life has purpose and that there is a “Promised Land” that You’ve destined for me. I am committed to being like Joshua and Caleb, strong in faith. I repent of grumbling and complaining and for any other thing that would cause me to spend years wandering in the wilderness. Instead, I choose to cooperate with Your Word so that I may dwell in the land that flows with milk and honey. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.