(Consolidated from Chapter 1: God’s Foundational Truth for the New Believer)
You Are Not a Mistake
One of the most freeing realizations I ever learned was that I was not a mistake. All my life, I had been told that I was, and treated even more so. I carried that burden and shame around like a weight around my heart. My shame led to my broken self-portrait and countless sinful habits.
So, imagine my shock at learning that God intentionally made me! Really? Intentionally!? Unlike what I was told as a child and throughout my life, I was not a “mistake,” after all! I was “on purpose.” Learning that I was wanted by God not only changed my relationship with Him, but it changed my relationship with me.
Were you ever told that you were a mistake? Were you ever treated like you were not wanted or did not belong? Well, guess what? You are wanted, and you do belong! You are not a mistake, nor have you ever been. Even if your parents did not plan you, God did!
For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
— Psalm 139:13–16 (NIV)
You Were Made for a Purpose
In addition to being one hundred percent wanted, you were deliberately created for a specific purpose. And get this… all before you were even born. You had a specific purpose when God first thought of you. Before you took your first breath, He had plans for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
— Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
— Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
As you continue to get stronger in your Christianity, God will reveal your purpose. I learned that God had given me certain gifts—writing being one of them—to help build His kingdom. I am humbled, honored, and grateful that He trusts me to share His Word!
Is there something you are extremely good at that could edify God’s kingdom? Is there an aching in your heart to accomplish something that will educate God’s people? Do you have a special God-given gift? That gift may be your purpose.
Here is a warning, though: God will not bless what He has not designed you to do.
Bottom line, you were made on purpose, for a purpose. God intentionally created you to do something special for Him. Find out what that is by strengthening your relationship with God.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
— Matthew 6:33
You’re on purpose! Now you know. Please, never forget it.
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