Day 3 – What has been the driving force of my life?

What has been the driving force of my life?

As I pondered on this question – I recognise that my life has been at one time or the other been driven by things that don’t involve God. Ecclesiastes 4 vs. 4 – And I saw that all labour and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbour.

Such things as:

· guilt - my past mistakes had been controlling my future in terms of manipulating me through my memories. I understood that when I sinned my guilt disconnected me from God’s presence and like Cain – I had been wandering through life without a purpose [Gen. 4 vs. 12 – when you work the ground it will no longer yield its crop for you. You will be a restless wanderer]. We are the products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it – God is renowned for giving people a new beginning, a fresh start. Psalm 32 vs. 1 – Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

· resentment or anger; I needed to release those that have hurt me through forgiveness. Job 5 vs. 2 – resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple – I am reminded here that by the simple act of me holding resentment I am foolish.

· Fear – That my fear regardless of its root will cause me to miss great opportunities. That it’s a self imposed prison that will keep me from becoming what God intends for me to be. 1 John 4 vs. 18 – There is no fear in Love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

· materialism; that my desire to acquire has become the whole goal of my life, which only provides temporary happiness – cause in the end I will always get bored with things and want newer ones. Reminding me that my value is not determined by my valuables – Because Real security can only be found in that which can never be taken from me which is my relationship with God.

· my need for approval – my being controlled by the opinions of others is a sure way to miss God’s purpose for my life. Jesus said in Matt 6 vs. 24 – no one ca serve two masters.. you cannot serve both God and Money.

So why is it important for me to know my purpose –

Knowing my purpose gives meaning to my life – without God life has no purpose, and without purpose life has no meaning. And without meaning life has no significance or hope. In the bible many expressed their despair - Isaiah 49 vs. 4 – I have laboured to no purpose, I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing; Yet what is due to me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with God. Job 7 vs. 6 – my days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope. Job 7 vs. 6 – I despise my life; I would not live forever let alone; my days have no meaning. For the greatest tragedy is not death but LIFE WITHOUT PURPOSE. But thankfully the plans that God has for me He knows, and He has declared it into being; plans to prosper me and not harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future – Jer. 29 vs. 11. Ephesians 3 vs. 20 – To him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask of imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.

Knowing my purpose simplifies my life – Isaiah 26 vs. 3 – you will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Knowing my purpose focuses my life – Philippians 3 vs. 13 - ..but one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. Ephesians 5 vs. 17 – therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s WILL is. Knowing my purpose motivates my life and prepares me for eternity. Because building an eternal legacy is what matters as living to create an earthly one is a short sighted goal. Romans 14 vs. 10, 12 – For we will all stand before God’s judgement seat;… so then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. John 14 vs. 6 – Jesus answered I am the way and the truth and the life – no one comes to the Father except though me.

Lessons Learnt on Day 3

Living on purpose is the path to peace for God will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in God. Previously my family and friends would have said guilt, resentment or anger, materialism and my need for approval were the driving forces for my life. But I am happy to report that it is no longer the case.