There’s nothing better than living out your God given purpose on the earth…nothing else more fulfilling. But, very few people actually get there. And, I don’t think it’s due to a lack of pursuit. I don’t think it’s due to a lack of effort. I think it’s simply due to a lack of understanding the method it takes to get there.
Many of us think that the method to purpose is linear.
We think that the path should make sense. It should follow a simple timeline that is gradual and continual. This is why we do things like make a five-year plan for our lives. But the problem is that life doesn’t always work according to our plan. And, God’s plan certainly doesn’t work according to our plan.
'For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord . “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.' (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s plan for us is not linear.
And I think that this is why many of us turn back from the path of purpose.
It’s hard to continue on a path that seems endless and futile. But if we know that our efforts are not futile, if we know that regardless of the lack of linear growth, we are still moving towards purpose, maybe we won’t give up.
As I prepared this message, a particular story came to mind. It is the story of King David. Obviously, he was not always a king. When we meet him in scripture, he is a shepherd.
'Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” ''So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.' (1 Samuel 16:11-13)
David was empowered by the Spirit of God from the time that he was anointed by Samuel, but did he immediately become king? No. As we continue reading his story, we see that he begins to serve King Saul as a musician, and later on we see that he continues to be a shepherd for his father’s flock.
Up until this point, David’s path is not linear. At first it seemed that way, he wasn’t the king, but at least he was serving in the palace. And then, we are told that he is still a shepherd when his father instructs him to take food to his brothers at war.
'So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the camp just as the Israelite army was leaving for the battlefield with shouts and battle cries. ' (1 Samuel 17:20)
It was at this battle that David grew from being a shepherd to being a hero.
'So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran. ' (1 Samuel 17:50-51)
'When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”' (1 Samuel 18:6-7)
After this victory, David goes from being a shepherd to a victorious warrior. It seemed that he was finally on the path to purpose, because after all, who wouldn’t want this hero to become their next king. But Saul didn’t see it that way. He envied David’s sudden stardom.
'This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” 'So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. ' (1 Samuel 18:8-9)
Saul's jealousy caused David to run for his life. When we continue to read about his journey in 1 Samuel, we see that for the next several years, he fled Saul’s numerous attempts to kill him. He lived in caves and survived on donated food and supplies.
Does this sound like someone walking the path to purpose?
I love David’s story because while it seemed that he was far from purpose, God was with him every step of the way. God ensured that he was safe, despite Saul’s efforts. And his journey on the run actually prepared him to step into his role as the second king of Israel.
'So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. 'Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men. ' (1 Samuel 22:1-2)
David didn’t have to go searching for men to follow his command, people were drawn to his anointing.
God prepares us for purpose in the most unusual ways.
It’s hard to feel like you’re on the path to purpose when your current situation looks nothing like the place that God called you to. But we must understand that even in those times, God is preparing us. He is teaching us how to lead. He’s teaching us how to walk in humility. He’s teaching us how to have patience. He’s honing our skills and talents.
When David finally became the king of Israel, he wasn’t some inexperienced young man. He was a man of war, a leader, someone that the people of Israel could trust.
God’s method to purpose isn’t linear, it is exponential.
We must learn to trust the process. We must understand that things aren’t always as they seem.
Why?
Because our God moves exponentially. He takes our mundane experiences and turns them into useful tools that propel us into purpose. And this wasn’t just true in David’s life, it is seen all throughout the bible.
We don’t have time to dive into another story, but I want to encourage you to read the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. His story is another great view of how God moves us exponentially towards purpose.
Have you ever worked on a task that seemed pointless only to find out how necessary it is?
One of the best examples of this is a basketball player working on free throw shots. Over and over again he stands at that line and shoots. He practices how he should position his feet. He perfects how to snap his wrist. He begins to understand just the right amount of effort he needs to use to get that ball in the basket each time. And even though he’s got it down he doesn’t quit. Over and over again he shoots.
Why?
Muscle memory.
You see, after a while he’s trained his body to move without thinking…
And this is God’s method to purpose.
So, while we sit, wondering why we’re still in this place, well below where we thought we would be, we must understand that God’s just working our muscles. He’s training us so that when it’s time, we can walk effortlessly and confidently into the place that He’s called us to.
Trust the process.
'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)
No matter how many times you fall, God is moving you further towards purpose. No matter how many times it feels like you're moving backwards in life, God is moving you further towards purpose. He is using every failure, every mistake, and every heartbreak to further the plan that He has for your life. So trust Him. Trust him in the disappointment. Trust him in the pain. Allow him to lead you, allow him to prepare you. It may not seem like it, the method may not make sense, but your God is a God of multiplication. He moves outside of our expectations and understanding. You don’t have to understand Him, you just have to trust Him. And then, watch as He performs miracles in your life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for choosing me and for giving me purpose. Today, I have been reminded that the path to purpose is not linear. Your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. So God, I understand that I will not always understand what you are doing in my life. But regardless of all of that, I will trust you. I will trust you when it seems like I’m moving backwards. I will trust you when I don’t understand. Because I know that you are doing what's best for me, and I know that you are a God of miracles. Thank you in advance for moving in my life. Thank you in advance for leading me to my promise. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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