Built for the Moment

As I sit here, afraid of what’s ahead…I can hear the Holy Spirit telling me that I am built for this moment. Everything that I’ve been through…the depression…the anxiety…the broken marriage…each and every storm and closed door…has led me here.

I am realizing that although I may fear the storm that I’m in, and although I don’t understand exactly where I’m headed, I am prepared.

God always prepared us for where He calls us.

When we read stories throughout the bible we see that this is true, but the story of David defeating Goliath is probably the clearest example of how God prepares us.

“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.” But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” (‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:32‭-‬37‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

David explained that his experience as a shepherd prepared him for the moment. While he had never defeated an experienced warrior–a giant– he had defeated lions and bears.

It’s crazy…because I bet young shepherd David never thought he was training to kill a giant. But that’s how God prepares us for purpose.

He doesn’t prepare us in conventional ways that make sense to our human minds. No…God uses every trial and storm that we pray for Him to cease. He uses the memories that we wish we could forget, and every experience we wish we never had to go through.

God causes everything–the good and the bad– to work together for our purpose.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

I know this sounds crazy…but that is exactly what God did in David’s life. Just put yourself in David’s shoes for a moment. When he encountered each lion and bear, I’m sure all he could think about was the danger that he and his sheep were in. But at the end of the day, the danger that David experienced prepared him for purpose.

Danger does not mean the absence of purpose.

I want us to think about this for a moment, because for most of us, danger is a sign that we should turn back. But in the bible…danger often preceded purpose.

In the story of David, he must first face Goliath.

In the story of Moses, he must first be endangered as an infant.

In the story of the Israelites being rescued, they must first be pursued by Pharoah.

In the stories of the disciples, their lives must first be threatened.

In the life of our Savior, he must be threatened as an infant and then crucified on a cross.

Danger isn’t the absence of purpose. Danger is an indication of purpose.

Even though we might see danger…even though we might feel afraid…God is still leading us towards purpose.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

In the past, I read those scriptures (and various other scriptures where God tells us not to be afraid) and I assumed that fear is a bad thing. It’s almost like I thought that God was saying that when we fear, we lack faith in Him. But now, I don’t believe that was His sentiment at all.

We must ask ourselves, “Why would God repeatedly tell us not to be afraid?”

I believe that it is because He knows that we naturally will be. He knows how our minds work. He knows that we can’t comprehend the path to purpose. There is grace for our fears…but what will we do in the midst of our fear?

Will we run or will we fight?

Yes…this journey is like none other that I’ve seen. There are days when I’m not sure that I have what it takes. There are moments when I want to give in. But at the end of the day, it is my resolution that matters. I am choosing to fight.

What about you?

What will you do in this season of your life? Will you run from this place…the storm… the trial? Or will you allow God to lead you through it…will you allow Him to lead you towards purpose?

In the book of Esther, we read about how God positioned a Jewish woman to become the Queen of Persian so that she could save her people from annihalation. In this story, Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, tells her of the plot, and asks for her help. Now…naturally, Esther is afraid. She doesn’t want to put her life in danger by going to the king. But look at what her uncle says to her…

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (‭‭Esther‬ ‭4:13‭-‬14‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Mordecai basically tells Esther that God made her Queen of Persia for a reason. Yes…it was a dangerous situation. Yes…she may have been afraid. But Esther was built for the moment.

You are built for this moment.

Regardless of your feelings of fear…regardless of whether or not you feel prepared or equipped. God has you right here for a reason. He has chosen you for a reason.

But you have a choice to make…

Will you give in to your fear…will you turn back? Or, will you charge forward in purpose? Will you allow God to use each and every trial to push you towards the place that He’s prepared for you?

He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. If He’s called you to this moment…He’s built you for this moment. So stop second guessing yourself. Stop questioning who He’s called you to be, and instead choose His plan. Choose your promise. Trust in Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for creating me with a beautiful plan of purpose in mind. Today, I have been reminded that the path to purpose isn’t always pretty. There will be battles and storms. There will be pain and heartache. But at the end of the day, you are preparing me for my purpose. And regardless of what my situation looks like, you are always moving me further along the path that you have for me. So today, I am making the decision to run towards purpose. I will walk in faith…even in the face of danger. Because I know that you are always with me, and I know that you will forever protect me. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.