"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
-Proverbs 19: 21

Purpose

A life of purpose. Does your life have a purpose? I have often wondered this about my life. There have been periods when I have been consumed with 'self.' What is in it for me? Even now there are days when I want to put myself first and others (God included) second. I can tell you that I find no 'peace' or 'joy' on these days. It is amazing, though, that when I surrender myself to God and become less concerned with 'self' then life seems to find a purpose. I believe that our lives are meant to be purposeful. We are called by God to love and serve Him. When we put God first our lives will find a purpose (read Romans 8: 28 below).

Since our lives are meant to have purpose we should strive to make the most of every opportunity. Do you? I wish I could tell you that I do but that would not be true.The great missionary, Paul, gives us some challenging advice about making the most of every opportunity. "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Ephesians 5: 15-17) "Be wise in the ways you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conservations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4: 5-6) Our goal in life should be to serve God in every opportunity and to use the abilities that God has given us to our fullest potential. Think about how life is going for you and ask yourself if you are making the most of every opportunity? I look upon my life and realize that I have wasted much on 'fruitless' endeavors. I imagine that is true for many of us. But with the grace of God you get back up and do better the next time. I pray that you will think about the opportunities before you and make the most of them. Taking advantage of every opportunity will help you to live a life of purpose for God.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a good week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!
In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"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."

-Romans 8: 28